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!    i 


LA  DIVINA  COMMEDIA 


The  Divine  Comedy 

of 

Dante  Alighieri 

A  line-for-line  translation 

in  the  rime-form  of 

the  original,  by 

Melville  Best  Anderson 


Yonkers-on-Hudson,  New  York 

WORLD  BOOK  COMPANY 

1921 


ABO-l 


Copyright,  1921,  by  World  Book  Company 

Copyright  in  Great  Britain 

All  rights  reserved 

PBINTED  or  U.B.A. 


BY  WAY  OF  INTRODUCTION 


As  to  the  form  and  phrasing  of  this  translation,  a  few- 
explanations  seem  desirable.  This  is  a  Une-for-line 
translation  retaining  the  original  rime-form, — terza 
rimay  or  triple  rime.  In  using  the  expression  "line-for- 
line  translation,"  it  is  not  meant  to  imply  that  every 
line  will  be  found  in  the  translation  in  the  exact  place 
where  it  is  found  in  the  original.  The  substance  of 
every  sentence  or  paragraph  presents  itself  to  the 
translator  as  material  to  be  freely  rehandled  in  accord- 
ance with  the  exigencies  of  the  rime  and  the  require- 
ments of  English  idiom.  It  will  be  found  that  the 
number  of  lines  in  every  canto  of  the  translation 
corresponds  to  that  of  the  original.  In  conformity  with 
the  genius  of  our  language  and  the  practice  of  our  poets, 
the  Italian  hendecasyllabic  line  is  rendered  by  the 
normal  English  line  of  ten  syllables.  As  almost  every 
Italian  word  ends  with  a  vowel  sound,  the  feminine  or 
double  rime,  involving  a  line  of  eleven  syllables,  is 
normal  in  that  language.  To  what  issue  the  attempt  to 
transplant  the  Italian  eleven-syllable  line  into  English 
leads,  has  been  shown  by  the  experiment  of  Lee-Hamil- 
ton with  the  Inferno.  Like  other  poets  of  our  tongue,  I 
have  introduced  the  eleven-syllable  lines  here  and 
there,  sometimes  in  considerable  numbers,  with  a  view 
to  special  expressiveness. 

With  respect  to  the  choice  of  the  English  triple  rime, 
I  will  frankly  admit  that  the  late  Professor  Charles 
EHot  Norton  very  strongly,  although  very  kindly, 
advised  me  against  it.  Certainly  there  was  little  to 
encourage  one  in  the  results  attained  by  those  who  had 
previously  attempted  to  render  the  Poem  in  this  form. 
To  argue  that  because  no  one  had  succeeded  with  terza 
rima  in  English,  failure  was  necessarily  a  foregone  con- 
clusion, seemed  to  me  a  plain  begging  of  the  question. 


592500 


iv  Introduction 

There  was  encouragement  in  the  fact  that  Rossetti 
had  succeeded  beautifully  in  his  translations  of  the 
minor  poems  in  the  original  rime-forms,  and  that  he, 
as  well  as  Byron,  had  nobly  rendered  in  triple  rime  the 
story  of  Francesca.  In  fact,  the  arguments  against  the 
attempt  to  translate  Dante  in  the  corresponding  Eng- 
lish meter  were  much  on  a  plane  with  those  raised 
against  the  attempts  at  the  conquest  of  the  Poles  and 
of  the  Air.  Twenty-one  years  ago,  when  I  began  this 
delightful  labor,  those  conquests  were  still  to  make. 

Twenty-one  years  is  doubtless  a  long  period  to  look 
forward  to.  Looking  back,  however,  the  time  seems 
only  too  short,  and  I  do  not  regret  one  hour  of  it. 
Should  a  friendly  critic  perchance  admonish  me  that 
I  ought  to  have  tarried  longer  in  Jericho,  I  should  be 
inclined  to  agree  with  him.  Parsons,  a  true  poet,  is 
said  to  have  given  a  very  much  longer  time  to  his 
brilliant  experiment,  leaving  it  after  all  only  half  done. 
Of  the  shortcomings  of  the  present  version  I  am,  of 
course,  more  painfully  aware  than  any  one  else  can  be. 
But  I  do  think  that  in  certain  passages  I  have  justified 
the  choice  of  the  triple  rime  as  the  form  in  which  the 
translator  can  come  nearest  to  the  spirit  and  power  of 
the  great  original.  There  were  moments  when  I  felt 
near  the  Master, — ^when  he  seemed  to  take  the  pen 
out  of  my  hand  and  show  me  how  the  lines  should  read 
in  English.  Moments  of  happy,  stimulating  illusion, 
such  as  come  to  the  translator  as  the  supreme  reward 
of  fideUty ! 

To  judge  by  much  recent  comment,  Dante  seems  to 
be  popularly  known  as  the  poet  of  the  Inferno.  In 
fact,  persons  who  ought  to  know  better  have  fallen 
into  the  loose  habit  of  referring  to  the  Divine  Comedy 
as  "Dante's  Inferno."  The  Inferno  has  perhaps  a 
hundred  readers,  where  the  Purgatorio  has  a  score  and 
the  Paradiso  one  or  two.   Yet  the  two  latter  Cantiche 


Introduction  v 

contain  passages  transcending  in  beauty  and  in  moral 
significance  anything  in  the  Inferno.  And  to  sp>eak  of 
my  translation,  inasmuch  as  I  naturally  gained  in 
mastery  of  my  difficult  instrument  as  I  proceeded,  I 
believe  my  rendering  of  the  Paradiso  to  be  both  tech- 
nically and  poetically  superior  to  my  rendering  of  the 
Inferno.  I  should  be  sorry,  therefore,  if  any  disap- 
pointed reader  should  lay  down  my  version  without 
looking  at  some  of  the  later  cantos.  If  the  Divine 
Comedy  be  regarded  as  the  Poet's  spiritual  autobiogra- 
phy, surely  the  Inferno  must  be  essentially  preliminary. 
The  true  center  of  the  Poem,  so  considered,  is  found  in 
the  thirtieth  and  thirty-first  cantos  of  Purgatorio. 

With  respect  to  the  marginal  notes,  I  wish  to  say  that 
they  of  course  make  no  claim  to  anything  like  com- 
pleteness, being  intended  only  as  an  unobtrusive  run- 
ning commentary  to  help  the  reader  to  slip  through,  or 
over,  certain  perplexing  passages,  so  encouraging  him 
to  achieve  the  rather  unusual  feat  of  reading  the  whole 
Divine  Comedy  through  at  a  few  sittings.  It  is  believed 
that  this  can  be  comfortably  accomplished  in  the  long 
winter  evenings  of  a  single  week.  I  once  read  my 
translation  of  the  whole  Inferno  to  a  friend  at  a  single 
unbroken  sitting. 

To  the  longer  notes  which  have  been  appended  to 
certain  cantos,  I  wish  here  to  add  the  two  following. 
The  first  is  with  respect  to  the  pronoun  of  direct 
address.  This  is  throughout  the  time-honored  pronoun 
of  the  second  person,  "thou,"  with  its  corresponding 
forms.  By  this  Dante  and  Virgil  address  each  other; 
by  this  Dante  addresses  so  great  a  personage  as  the 
Lady  Matilda.  This  ordinary  use  of  "thou"  sets  in 
marked  relief  the  occasional  exceptional  use  of  "you" 
as  the  singular  pronoun  of  direct  address.  The  use  of 
•you"  is  intended  as  a  mark  of  the  ceremonious  respect 
due  to  royalty  or  superior  rank.    This  is  emphasized 


vi  Introduction 

by  the  Poet  in  the  opening  hnes  of  Paradiso  xvi. 
His  use  of  "you"  in  that  place  in  addressing  his  great 
ancestor  is  a  sign  of  family  pride,  causing  Beatrice  to 
smile  at  the  Poet's  weakness.  In  Purgatorio  xxxi,  after 
Beatrice  has  assumed  the  remote  and  impersonal 
attitude  of  the  judge,  he  uses  this  form  in  addressing 
her.  He  uses  it  out  of  reverence  to  Pope  Adrian  in 
Purgatorio  xix.  In  the  Inferno  the  Poet  so  addresses 
Farinata,  the  elder  Cavalcanti,  and  Brunetto  Latini, 
but  not  Pope  Nicholas  III.  Wherever  "thou  (thy)"  and 
"you  (your)"  are  used  in  close  connection,  the  reader 
may  properly  infer  that  different  persons  are  thus 
referred  to.  For  example,  in  Inferno  xix,  line  102, 
"thou"  refers  to  Pope  Nicholas,  while  in  the  next  line 
but  one  "your"  refers  to  the  whole  class  to  which  he 
belongs. 

The  other  note  is  with  reference  to  the  first  line  of 
the  Invocation  to  the  Muses,  in  the  seventh  line  of  the 
first  canto  of  Purgatorio : 

"Here  let  dead  poesy  arise  again." 

The  commentators  generally  understand  the  words 
"dead  poesy"  to  refer  to  the  spiritual  death  which  has 
been  the  subject  of  the  Poem  hitherto.  But  as  our 
Poet  teaches  us  to  look  in  his  verses  for  various  phases 
of  meaning  (compare  the  famous  letter  to  Can  Grande), 
the  question  properly  arises  whether  beside  the  allegor- 
ical, or  moral,  or  anagogical  meaning,  there  is  not  a 
meaning  which,  being  on  the  surface,  is  not  seen,  for 
the  very  reason  that  we  are  searching  for  something 
deeper.  That  there  is  such  an  unnoted  but  rather 
obvious  meaning  is  patent,  as  soon  as  one  thinks  of  it. 
In  the  thirty-third  canto  of  the  Inferno,  Poesy  is  cer- 
tainly alive,  passionately  and  powerfully  alive  in  the 
highest  degree.  In  the  final  canto,  however,  there  is  an 
intentional  lowering  of  the  temperature.    Poesy  seems 


Introduction 


vu 


benumbed  with  the  chill  of  Cocytus.  Dante  cannot, 
like  Milton,  make  his  Satan  a  lofty  and  heroic  figure. 
He  is  no  Baudelaire  to  suffuse  the  flowers  of  evil  with 
sickly  grace  and  unwholesome  sentiment.  It  is  a  pic- 
ture of  unredeemed  ugliness,  without  the  dramatic 
quality  and  the  charm  of  imagery  and  allusion  that 
make  us  fairly  hold  our  breath  while  witnessing  the 
horrible  transformations  in  Inferno  xxiv  and  xxv. 
Even  at  the  very  end  of  the  canto  the  description  of 
the  ascent  is  studiously  plain.  Done  with  Hell  and 
glad  to  banish  it  from  our  minds,  we  hasten  forward 
to  the  world  of  light: 

"Tomorrow  to  fresh  woods  and  pastures  new." 

n 

Of  special  interest  to  the  student  of  Dante  are  the 
handsome  armorial  shields  of  Florence  and  of  her 
Patrician  families.  Drawings,  in  which  colors  are  con- 
ventipnally  indicated  by  the  arrangement  of  the  lines, 
are  here  given  of  the  arms  of  the  Cavalcanti  and  of  the 
Portinari;  also  of  the  Gianfigliazzi,  the  first  jof  the  four 
coats  distinctly  described  in  Inferno  x's^ii.  Of  still 
greater  interest  are  the  two  colored  plates  of  the  old 
and  the  new  shield  of  the  Comniune  of  Florence, 
referred  to  at  the  end  of  Paradiso  xvi.  The  old  emblemv 
the  lily  argent  on  a  shield  gules,  was  retained  by  the 
Ghibellines,  while  the  Guelfs  in,  the  middle  of  the  cen- 
tury (1251)  reversed  the  colors.  These  plates  serve  also 
as  an  illustration  of  the  important  and  sublime  passage 
in  Paradiso  xviii,  where  we  are  told  how  the  bird-like 
spirits  formed  the  mystic  constellated  Eagle  from  the 
M  of  the-  word  TERRAM.  Now  the  fleur-de-lis  of 
Florence  might  very  w^U  have  served  an  ancient  manu- 
script illuminator^  as  a  highly  ornate  initial  letter  M. 
Regarding  it  as  such,  the  reader  will  easily  imagine  the 


viii  Introduction 

medial  point  of  the  letter  to  be  developed,  as  the  Poet 
describes,  into  the  head  and  neck  of  an  Eagle.  In  fact, 
the  resemblance  to  the  heraldic  Eagle  is  striking.  The 
Emblem  may  also  be  taken  as  an  illustration  of  that 
passage  in  Purgatorio  xxiii  in  which  is  recorded  the 
quaint  fancy  that  God  stamped  the  word  OMO  (homo) 
on  the  face  of  man. 

Inasmuch  as  my  brief  marginal  notes  pass  with- 
out comment  hundreds  of  names  and  allusions  about 
which  the  reader  may  be  curious,  it  is  my  pleasant 
duty  to  refer  to  a  few  of  the  abimdant  helps  to  the 
study  of  the  Poet  which  exist  in  English.  In  the  way 
of  general  criticism  it  hapi>ens  that  we  have  two  essays 
worthy  of  the  lofty  subject,  one  by  the  English  Dean, 
R.  W.  Church  (Macmillan),  and  one  by  the  American 
poet-critic,  J.  R.  Lowell  (Houghton  Mifflin).  In  the 
whole  wide  field  of  Dante  criticism,  I  have  foimd 
nothing  quite  equal  in  their  way  to  these  two  essays, 
which  admirably  supplement  each  other.  Of  the 
somewhat  abundant  comment  that  has  recently  arisen 
in  connection  with  the  commemorations  of  the  Poet  in 
this  anniversary  year,  the  most  noteworthy  essay  that 
I  have  chanced  to  see  is  that  of  the  eminent  Italian 
thinker,  Benedetto  Croce,  in  the  Yale  Review  (October, 
1921). 

Of  editions  of  the  Poet,  the  one  published  in  the 
series  of  "Temple  Classics"  will  be  found  on  the  whole 
most  useful  to  the  beginner.  This  contains  a  transla- 
tion, facing  the  text,  together  with  brief  notes,  useful 
maps,  diagrams,  tables,  and  pictures.  The  translation 
of  the  Inferno  is  the  excellent  one  by  John  Carlyle.  The 
other  translations  are  less  commendable,  and  the 
notes  are  too  often  wanting  in  urbanity. 

In  the  way  of  a  prose  translation  of  the  complete 
Poem,  there  is  nothing  quite  equal  to  that  by  Charles 
Eliot  Norton;   and  a  whole  library  of  information  is 


Introduction  ix 

packed  into  his  terse  notes,  which  are  the  fruit  of  life- 
long study  (Houghton  Mifflin). 

The  notes  to  Longfellow's  blank-verse  translation 
are  of  a  different  character  and  are  even  more  interest- 
ing. The  progress  of  Dante  studies,  which  has  been  very 
great  during  the  past  half  century,  has  made  many  of 
Longfellow's  interpretations  obsolete.  But  as  a  body 
of  literary  parallels,  Longfellow's  notes  should  be  in 
the  hands  of  every  reader  (Houghton  Mifflin). 

The  best  edition  of  the  text,  with  notes  and  argu- 
ments in  Enghsh,  is  that  by  Professor  C.  H.  Grandgent 
(Heath),  who  has  made  scholarly  use  of  the  works  of 
the  most  recent  ItaUan  writers  and  investigators. 

Fuller  comment  is  given  by  H.  F.  Tozer,  whose  notes 
are  pubHshed  separately  in  three  volumes  by  the  Claren- 
don Press. 

In  the  way  of  a  handbook  of  historical  and  bio- 
graphical information,  there  is  nothing  on  the  whole 
so  good  as  the  compact  "Primer  of  Dante"  by  E.  G. 
Gardner  (Dent).  It  contains  an  analytic  accoimt  of 
all  the  Poet's  works,  together  with  tables  and  dia- 
grams and  other  information  of  value.  Inexpensive 
and  handy,  it  is  the  one  book  which  I  recommend  to 
the  reader  as  almost  indispensable. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  single  book  of  reference 
for  the  student  of  Dante  is  the  "Dictionary  of  Proper 
Names"  by  Paget  Toynbee  (Clarendon  Press).  This 
work  contains  some  account  of  every  one  of  the  hun- 
dreds of  persons  introduced  or  referred  to  in  the  course 
of  Dante's  poems.  Mr.  Toynbee,  who  is  now  the  most 
eminent  Hving  English  t)ante  scholar,  has  had  in  hand 
for  many  ye^ars  a  general  Dictionary  to  the  language  of 
Dante, — a  work  unhappily  not  yet  completed. 

It  would  give  me  deep  pleasure  to  record  here  the 
names  of  friends  who  have  helped  me  with  advice  and 
sympathy.   As  I  have  mentioned  Professor  Norton,  it 


X  Introduction 

would  be  ungracious  not  to  add  that,  although  believing 
me  to  be  just  another  "Childe  Roland'^  at  the  Dark 
Tower,  he  gave  me  unstinted  assistance,  as  his  notes 
on  the  manuscript  of  some  of  my  earlier  cantos  bear 
witness.  As  I  think  of  other  and  nearer  friends,  who 
encouraged  my  first  crude  attempts  and  who  are  now 
with  Dante  and  Beatrice,  I  recall  the  pathetic  words  of 
Goethe : 

"Sic  horen  nicht  die  folgenden  Gesange, 
Die  Seelen,  denen  ich  die  ersten  sang." 

(Those  spirits  do  not  hear  the  present  cadence. 
Who  kindled  to  the  song  that  first  I  sang.) 

Of  the  many  friends  still  happily  with  us  to  whom  I 
feel  deeply  indebted,  I  cannot  forbear  to  mention  here 
Mr.  Edward  Howard  Griggs,  without  whose  timely  and 
active  assistance  this  translation  would  certainly  not 
have  seen  the  light  of  this  memorial  year. 

M.  B.  A. 


CONTENTS 

Inferno 

OAITTO  PAOS 

I.   Proem:  Rescue  of  Dante  by  Virgil 1 

II.   Virgil  Describes  the  Appeal  of  Beatrice    .    .  5 

in.   The  Dire  Inscription  and  the  Dark  River     .  9 

IV.   First  Circle:  Limbo;  the  Virtuous  Pagans     .  13 

V.   Second  Circle:  Francesca  da  Rimini  ....  18 

VI.   Third  Circle:  The  Intemperate 22 

VII.  Fourth  Circle:  The  Parsimonious  and  the 

Prodigal 26 

S^III.   Fifth  Circle:  The  Wrathful      .    .    .    .    ._^  .  30 
IX.   Sixth  Circle:  The  Furies  and'the  Angel     .  ^~~  34 

X.   Sixth  Circle:  Farinata  of  the  Uberti  ....  38 
XI.   Classes   of    Sins   and    Distribution   of    the 

Damned 42 

XII.   Seventh    Circle:    Ring    1.     Those    Violent 

against  Neighbors 46 

XIII.  Seventh  Circle:  Ring  2.   The  Suicidal  Wood  50 

XIV.  Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Defiers  of  God    ,    .  55 
XV.   Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Brunetto  La tini    .    .  59 

XVL   Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Three  Great  Citizens 

of  Florence 63 

XVII.   Seventh   Circle:   Ring   3.    The   Wonderful 

Flight  Downward      67 

XVin.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  1.    Panders  and  Se- 
ducers. Pouch  2.  Flatterers 71 

XIX.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  3.  Simoniacal  Popes  .  75 
XX.  Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  4.  Diviners.  Origin  of 

Mantua 79 

XXI.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  5.  Barrators    ....  83 
XXII.  Eighth   Circle:   Pouch  5.    Comedy  of  the 

Devils      87 

XXm.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  6.    Hypocrites  ...  92 

XXIV.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  7.    Robbers    ....  97 

XXV.   Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  7.  Transformations    .  102 

XXVI.  Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  8.    Ulysses         .      .    .  107 
XXVn.  Eighth  Ch-cle:  Pouch  8.   Guido  da  Montefel- 

tro  and  Pope  Boniface  VIII    ......  Ill 

XXVIII.    Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  9.   Sowersof  Discord  115 

xi 


xii  Contents 

CANTO  PAGB 

XXIX.  Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  10.    Counterfeiters    .  119 

XXX.  Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  10.    Master  Adam  of 

Brescia  and  Sinon  of  Troy 123 

XXXI.  Descent:  The  Giants  around  the  Pit  .    .    .  128 

XXXII.  Ninth  Circle:  Caina;  Antenora 133 

XXXni.  Count  Ugolino;  Ptolomea 137 

XXXrV.  Ninth  Circle:  Judecca.   Passage  from  Luci- 
fer to  the  Light 142 

PURGATORIO 

I.  The  Dawn  of  Easter 147 

IL  The  Angel  Pilot 151 

m.  Antepurgatory 155 

IV.  The  Ascent  of  the  Mountain  Begun  ....  159 

V.  Tragic  Deaths  of  Three  Noble  Souls      ...  163 

VI.  Dante  the  "Stormy  Voice"  of  Italy    ....  167 

VIL  The  Negligent  Princes      172 

VIII.  Happy  Interview  with  Departed  Shades  .    .  176 

IX.  The  Symbolic  Gate 180 

X.  The  Marvelous  Carved  Walls 185 

XI.  The  Proud  Made  Humble 189 

XII.  The  Pictured  Floor 193 

XIIL  Sapia  of  Siena 197 

XIV.  Degeneracy  of  Tuscany  and  the  Romagna  .  202 

XV.  Treasure  in  Heaven:  Visions  of  Forbearance  207 

XVI.  Temporal  Power  of  the  Clergy 212 

XVn.  Profitable  Discourse:  Second  Night  ....  217 

XVUL  Love  and  Free  Will 222 

XIX.  A  Repentant  Pope  (Adrian  V) 227 

XX.  Hugh  Capet 232 

XXI.  The  Poet  Statins 237 

XXIL  The  Three  Poets  Converse  as  They  Walk    .  241 

XXm.  ForeseDonati .    .  246 

XXrV.   Cheerful  Abstainers  from  Good  Cheer  .    .    .  250 

XXV. '  The  M^lariVsH"6gyof -the  Shades  ...  255 

XXVI.  Dante  Meets  Two  Modern  Predecessors  .    .  259 

XXVn.  The  Will  of  the  Pilgrim  of  Eternity  is  Purified  264 

XXVni.  Earthly  Paradise  Crowning  the  Mountain  .  268 

XXIX.  Mystic  Procession  of  the  Church     ....  273 


Contents  xiii 

CANTO  PAGK 

XXX.  The  Reproaches  of  Beatrice 278 

XXXI.   Dante's  Bitter  Confession 285 

XXXII.   AUegory  of  the  Evil  Days  of  the  Church      .  290 

XXXIII.   The  Poet  Made  Pure  for  the  Ascent  ....  295 


Paradiso 

I.  Ascent  of  Dante  with  Beatrice 301 

II.  Heaven  of  the  Moon 306 

in.  Spirits  of  Women  in  the  Lunar  Heaven    ,    .  311 

IV.  Solution  of  Perplexing  Questions 315 

V.  Vows  and  Free  Will;  Heaven  of  Mercury    .  319 

VI.  A  Philosophy  of  History 323 

VII.  Mystery  of  the  Redemption 327 , 

VIII.  The  Heaven  of  Venus 332 

IX.  A  Great  Lady  and  a  Poet  Prophesy  ....  337 

X.  Heaven  of  the  Sun:  Starry  Garland  of  Sages  341 

XL  The  Canto  of  St.  Francis 346 

XII.  The  Canto  of  St.  Dominic 350 

XIII.  St.  Thomas  Aquinas 355 

XIV.  The  Spiritual  Body.   Cross  in  Mars  ....  359 
XV.  Men  and  Manners  of  Old  Florence    ....  363 

X\T.  "Old,  Unhappy,  Far-off  Things" 368 

XVII.  Dante's  Exile  and  Justification 373 

XVIII.  Mystic  Symbol  of  Justice  in  Star  of  Jove    .  377 

XIX.  The  Discourse  of  the  Symbolic  Eagle    ...  381 

XX.  The  Eagle  Continues  to  Discourse 386 

XXI.  Heaven  of  Contemplation 391 

XXII.  St.  Benedict;  Dante's  Natal  Constellation  .  395 

XXIIL  Vision  of  the  Host  of  the  Redeemed      ...  400 

XXIV.  St.  Peter  Examines  Dante  Concerning  Faith  404 

XXV.  St.  James  Examines  Him  Concerning  Hope  .  409 

XXVI.  St.  John  Examines  Him  Concerning  Love  .  413 

XXVn.  The  Ascent  to  the  Crystalline  Heaven   .    .  417 

XXVHI.  The  Heavenly  Intelligences 422 

XXIX.  Creation  and  Nature  of  Heavenly  Intelligence  426 

XXX.  The  Celestial  Rose 431 

XXXI.  Beatrice  Sends  St.  Bernard  to  Dante    ...  436 

XXXn.  Order  of  Places  in  the  Mystic  Amphitheater  440 

XXXin.  Prayer  of  St.  Bernard.    Ultimate  Vision  .    .  445 


INFERNO 


Proem:  Rescue  op  Dante  by  Virgil 

When  half  the  journey  of  our  Hfe  was  done 
I  found  me  in  a  darkling  wood  astray, 
Because  aside  from  the  straight  pathway  run. 

Ah  me,  how  hard  a  thing  it  is  to  say 

What  was  this  thorny  wildwood  intricate 
Whose  memory  renews  the  first  dismay ! 

Scarcely  in  death  is  bitterness  more  great: 

But  as  concerns  the  good  discovered  there 
The  other  things  I  saw  will  I  j;elate. 

How  there  I  entered  I  am  unaware. 

So  was  I  at  that  moment  full  of  sleep 
When  I  abandoned  the  true  thoroughfare. 

But  when  I  reacht  the  bottom  of  a  steep 
Ending  the  valley  which  had  overcome 
My  courage,  piercing  me  with  fear  so  deep,  -^ 

Lifting  mine  eyes  up,  tbeheldj^jdpme 

^Slready^overed  with  that  planet's  light 
Which  along  all  our  pathways  leads  us  home. 

Then  was  a  little  quieted  the  fright 

That  had  been  lurking  in  the  heaiVof  me 
Throughout  the  passage  of  ^ie^plfeous  night. 

And  as  the  panting  castaway,  if  he 

EscapetEe^wave  and  on  the  shore  arrive 
Turns  back  and  gazes  on  the  perilous  sea. 

Even  so  my  spirit,  still  a  fugitive. 

Turned  back  to  look  again  upon  the/^Eore^ 
That  never  left  one  person  yet  alive. 

My  weary  frame  somewhat  refresht,  once  more 
Along  the  solitary  slope  ipHed      ^^Z^* 
So  that  the  firm  foot  ever  was  the  lower. 


Time:  Morning 
of  Good  Friday 
of  the  Jubilee 
year,  1300, 
Dante  being 
midway   on   the 
way  to  three- 
score and  ten. 
Place:  the  "wan- 
dering wood  of 
this  life^  where 
Dante  comes  to 
himself  from 
that  sleep  which 
is  spiritual 
death 


'2' 


Inferno 


Just  what  sins 
the  three  beasts 
typify  is  dis- 
puted.  Else- 
where in  the 
Poem  the  Wolf 
is  the  type  of 
Avarice,  by 
which  Dante 
means  all  forms 
of  selfish  advan- 
tage at  the  ex- 
pense of  others. 
It  is  the  sin 
which  he  most 
frequently  stig- 
matizes; obvi- 
ously, therefore, 
the  allegory  here 
cannot  be  merely 
personal 


I 


"-L 


And  lo !  where  but  begins  the  mountainside, 
A  leopard  Hght  and  very  swifl/Jjp^i?' 
cSnd  'Covered  with  a  gayly  spotted  hide. 

NeveTwithdrew  she  from  before  my  face; 
Nay,  rather  blockt  she  so  my  going  on 
That  oft  I  turned  my  footingToTetrace. 

It  was  about  the  moment  of  the  dawn ; 

Uprose  the  sun  andj)aled  the  Ught  benign 
Of  those  Jair  stars  which  were  beside^him  von 

When  took  they  motion  first  from  Love  Divine: 
So  the  sweet  season  and  the  time  of  cSy  ^^/^c 
Caused  me  to  augur  as_a  hopeful  sign  "^^ 

That  animal  with  skinbedappled  gay: 

Yet  not  so  much  but  that  I  felt  dismayed 
To  see  a  lion  intercept  my  way.  .JX^tTtiil. 

It  seemed  to  me  that  he  toward  me  made 

With  head  erected  and  with  hunger  raving, 
So  that  the  very  air  appeared  afraid: 

And  a  she-wolf,  made  gaunt  by  every  craving 

Wherewith  methought  she  heavy-laden  went. 
And  much  folk  hitherto  of  ioyj^ereaying;  ^*-^"-  p^ 

She  brought  on  me  so  much  discouragement 
By  terror  of  her  aspect  that  perforce 
I  forfeited  all  hope  of  the  ascent. 

And  as  one,  interrupted  in  his  course 

OfjwinninJJ  when  his  fortune  is  undone 
Is  full  of  perturbation  and  remorse,     / 

That  trucelessTBeast  made  me^ch  malison,  ^ 


l;:: 


And  coming  on  against  me  pace  Jjy  pace 
Baffled  me  back  where  silent  is  the  sun. 

While  I  was  falling  back  to  that  lowplace,  /  id^'*^J 
A  certain  person  there  appearance  made. 
Whose  lengthened  silence  argued  feebleness. 

When  him  I  saw  in  the  deserted  glade, 

"Have  pity  upon  me !"  I  imploring  cried, 
"Whatever  thou  beest,  whether  man  or  shade." 


y  - 


Virgil  Rescues  Dante 


"Not  man, — a  man  once  was  I,"  he  replied, 
"My  parents  both  were  born  at  Mantua, 
And  were  of  Lombard  blood  on  either  side. 

Sub  Julio  was  I  born,  though  late  the  day, 
A    .  under  good  Augustus  lived  at  Rome 
When  false  and  lying  deities  bore  sway.fT'  ^*^  J 

I  was  a  poet:  that  just  hero  whom 

Anchises  $^3?  f  sang,  who  came  from  Troy 
After  the  burning  of  proud  Ilium. 

But  why  dost  thou  return  to  such  annoy, 

Wherefore  ascend  not  the  delightful  Mount, 
Beginning  and  occasion  of  all  joy?^' — 

"Art  thou  indeed  that  Virgil,  and  that  fount 

Whence  pours  of  eloquence  so  broad  a  stream?" 
I  made  reply  to  him  with  bashful  front. 

"O  of  the  other  poets  light  supreme,  —  o^^-^-*-^    *    -^m-^ 
May  the  long  study  well  avail  me  now 
And  the  great  love  that  made  thy  book  my  theme. 

Thou  art  my  Master  and  my  Author  thou. 

And  thou  alone  art  he  from  whom  results     ^*'**  ^ 
The  goodly  style  whereto  my  honors  owe. 
^•^ Behold  the  beast  that  doth  my  steps  repulse: 

Come  to  my  help  against  her,  famous  sage, 
for  palpitates  my  every,  vein  and  pulse." — 

"Another  journey  must^thy  steps  engage," 
When  he  beheld  me  weeping,  did  he  say, 
"Wouldst  from  this  savage  placemake  pilgrimage; 


Because  this  beast  whereat  thou  criest,  gives  way  x 
Never  to  any  comer,  but  doth  sore 
Impede  and  haras^  him  yntil  she  slay.    -)a^— — 

Malignant  is  she  soJthaLjievermore      (  *^'*-  ^   ) 
The  craving  of  her  appetite  is  fed. 
And  after  food  is  hungrier  than  before. 

Many  are  the  animals  that  with  her  wed. 

And  there  shall  yet  be  more,  iintil  the  Hound 
Shall  come  and  in  her  misery  strike  her  dead. 


Dante's  choice 
of  Virgil  as  his 
guide  is  a  nohle 
instance  of  that 
humanity  which 
is  above  all 
creeds.   The  Ro- 
man poet  is 
made  the  type  of 
human  reason 
and  he  therefore 
retires,  in  the 
Earthly  Para- 
dise, in  favor  of 
Beatrice  who 
typifies  "the 
good  of  intel- 
lect," i.e.  the 
knowledge  of 
God 


'Ac.   ^ 


4  Inferno 

The  Hound  is  to  His  food  shall  not  be  either  pelf  or  ground 
\LLrdeUv^er,  ^"^  ^^;atjs  loving,  wise,  and  valorous : 

such  as  Dante  at  Feltro  and  Feltro  shall  his  nation  bound.      ? 

Hennrof  Lux-    '^^^^  humble  Italy  preserves  he  thus 
emburg  would  For  which  the  maid  Camilla  bit  the  dust', 

teeJ^hil  in  Tumus  and  Nisus  and  Euryalus. 

mind  Can  And  out  of  every  city  shall  he  thrust 

ffal^'btfSie  That  beast,  until  he  drive  her  back  to  Hell 

reference  is  jmr-  Whence  she  was  first  let  loose  by  envious  lust. 

posely  vague        Wherefore  for  thee  I  think  and  judge  it  well 
Thou  follow  me,  and.  I  will  bring  about 
Thy  passage  thither  where  the  eternal  dwell. 
There  shalt  thou  hearken  the  despairing  shout, 
Shalt  see  the  souls  of  yore,  eaghjw^oeful  guest 
Who  craving  for  the  second  death  cry  out. 
Shalt  see  thereafter  those  who  are  at  rest 

Amid  the  flame,  because  their  wishes  bend 
To  make  them,  whensoever,  of  the  blest. 
If  then  to  these  thou  wishest  to  ascend. 

For  this  a  worthier  soul  than  I  shall  wait. 
And  with  her  will  I  leave  thee  at  the  end : 
Because  that  Emperor  who  there  holds  state. 
Seeing  I  was  a  rebel  to  His  law, 
Wills  that  through  me  none  pass  His  City-gate. 
There  rules  His  Love,  as  everywhere  His  Awe; 
There  in  His  Capital  He  sits  on  high : 
Happy  His  chosen  who  may  nigh  Him  draw."— 
"O  Poet,  I  entreat  of  thee,"  said  I, 

"By  that  Divinity  thou  didst  not  know. 
So  this  and  greater  eyil  I  may  fly. 
That  where  thou  saidst  I  may  a  pilgrim  go. 
And  led  by  thee  Saint  Peter's  portal  find, 
And  those  thou  makest  out  afiiicted  so." — 
Then  moved  he  on,  I  following  behind. 


Dante  Distrusts  His  Worthiness 


II 

Virgil  Describes  the  Appeal  of  Beatrice 

Day  was  departing  and  the  dusky  air 

Loosing  the  Hving  things  on  earth  that  dwell 
From  their  fatigues;  and  I  alone  was  there 

Preparing  to  sustain  the  war,  as  well 
Of  the  long  way  as  also  of  the  woe, 
Which  now  unerring  memory  will  tell. 

O  Muses!  O  high  Genius,  aid  me  now! 

O  Memory  who  wrote  down  what  I  did  see. 
Herein  all  thy  nobility  will  show. 

Now  I  began :  "Poet  who  guidest  me. 
Look  to  my  worth  if  it  be  plenteous. 
Ere  to  the  hard  pass  thou  confidest  me. 

Thou  tellest  that  the  Sire  of  Silvius 

Went  to  the  everlasting  world,  while  still 
Corruptible,  and  in  the  body  thus. 

But  that  the  Adversary  of  every  ill 

Should  grace  him  so,  viewing  the  issue  high 
And  who  he  was  and  what  he  should  fulfill. 

Seems  not  unfit  to  the  understanding  eye: 
For  he  was  father  of  imperial  Rome 
Elected  in  the  empyrean  sky. 

Founding  that  city  and  her  masterdom 
In  sooth,  for  see  and  sanctuary  blest 
Of  those  who  after  greatest  Peter  come. 

And  by  that  going,  which  thou  honorest. 

He  heard  of  things  whereon  were  consequent 
His  victory  and  then  the  Papal  Vest. 

There  afterward  the  Chosen  Vessel  went 

Thence  bringing  comfort  to  that  Faith  supreme 
Which  of  salvation  is  the  rudiment. 

But  wherefore  I?  Who  grants  me  such  a  dream.? 
iEneas  am  I  not,  nor  am  I  Paul, 
Nor  to  myself  or  others  worthy  seem. 


Time:  Evening 
of  Good  Friday, 
1300 


That  the  Roman 
Empire  is  a  fun- 
damental part  of 
the  Divine  plan 
for  human  re- 


principle  in 
Dante  s  philoso- 
phy of  history, 
as  vyUl  be  fuUy 
developed  in 
Cantos  vi  and 
xviii  qfParadiso 


6  Inferno 

Whence,  if  I  dare  to  yield  me  to  thy  call, 
I  tremble  lest  the  going  prove  insane: 
My  words  are  to  the  wise, — thou  knowest  all."- 

And  Hke  to  those  who  chop  and  change  again 
On  second  thoughts,  unwilling  former  will. 
And  make  their  fair  beginning  wholly  vain. 

Such  became  I  on  that  benighted  hill: 

Since,  taking  thought,  I  canceled  the  emprise 
I  was  before  so  eager  to  fulfill. 

"If  I  have  comprehended  thy  replies,^' 

Returned  that  shadow  of  the  lofty  mind, 
"Thy  soul  in  caitiff  apprehension  Ues, 

Which  oftentimes  so  baffles  humankind, 

They  turn  like  animal  false  sight  perceiving. 
Leaving  emprise  of  honor  all  behind. 

To  free  thee  from  this  timid  misconceiving, 

Let  me  now  tell  thee  what  my  coming  meant, 
And  what  I  heard  of  thee  that  set  me  grieving. 

I  was  with  those  who  are  in  Limbo  pent. 
When  a  fair  Lady  from  the  blest  abode 
Called  me,  and  her  command  was  my  consent. 

More  brilKant  than  the  star  her  glances  glowed; 
And  gently  and  serenely  she  began 
With  voice  angelic,  in  her  own  sweet  mode: 

*0  courteous  shade,  soul  of  the  Mantuan 

Whose  fame  endures  today  in  human  ear. 
And  will  endure  as  long  as  motion  can, 

One  dear  to  me  and  not  to  fortune  dear, 
Is  on  the  desert  hillside  in  his  way 
So  hindered  that  he  has  turned  back  for  fear. 

And  may,  alas !  be  now  so  far  astray 

That  I  am  risen  for  his  relief  too  late. 
From  what  I  hear  the  Heavenly  voices  say. 
Not  mere  fine      Now  go,  and  with  thine  eloquence  ornate, 

"2i  /-  -^^^  what  may  serve  for  his  escape  from  woe, 

sjdse  it  more  Aid  him,  lest  I  should  be  disconsolate. 


The  Blessed  Spirit  Appeals  to  the  Castaway      7 


Myself  am  Beatrice  who  bid  thee  go; 

Thence  come  I  whither  to  return  I  sigh; 

Love  prompted  me  and  makes  me  urge  thee  so. 

When  I  shall  be  before  my  Lord  on  high 

Often  will  I  invoke  for  thee  His  grace.' — 
Thereat  she  paused,  and  I  began  reply: 

*0  Lady  by  virtue  of  whom  the  human  race 
Doth  in  nobility  all  things  excel 
Within  the  Heaven  that  rounds  the  smallest  space, 

To  do  thy  bidding  pleases  me  so  well 

The  deed  were  laggard  if  already  done : 
There  is  no  further  need  thy  wish  to  tell. 

But  tell  me  rather  why  thou  dost  not  shun 
Descending  to  this  center  from  the  sphere 
So  wide,  whereto  thou  bumest  to  be  gone.' — 

*Seeing  it  is  thy  will  so  far  to  peer, 

I  will  proceed  to  tell  thee,'  she  replied, 
*Why  I  am  not  afraid  to  enter  here. 

Of  those  things  only  fear  is  justified 

Wherein  is  power  of  harming  less  or  much : 
At  nothing  else  need  one  be  terrified. 

By  Grace  Divine  have  I  been  fashioned  such 
That  pangs  me  not  the  misery  of  you, 
Nor  can  the  flame  of  all  this  burning  touch. 

In  Heaven  there  is  a  gentle  Lady  who 

Berues  this  barrier  whence  I  bid  thee  fare, 

So  that  she  bursts  on  high  stern  judgment  through. 

She  summoned  Lucy  to  her  in  her  prayer 

And  said :  "Thy  faithful  one  now  needs  thee  so 
That  I  commend  him  to  thy  tender  care." — 

Lucy,  of  every  cruelty  the  foe. 

Arose  and  came  where  I  had  not  been  long 
With  Rachel,  who  was  set  there  long  ago. 

"Beatrice,"  she  said,  "God's  very  choral  song. 

Why  help  not  him  who  had  such  love  for  thee 
That  he  forsook  for  thee  the  vulgar  throng? 


than  Dante  did. 
Poetry  to  him  is 
the  perfect  utter' 
ance  of  the  truth: 
hence  the  choice 
of  a  poet  as  the 
organ  of  human 
reason 


The  Uessed  Vir- 
gin Mary  whose 
nam£,  like  that 
of  Christy  recurs 
so  often  in  other 
parts  of  the 
Poem,  may  not 
be  directly  men- 
tioned in  Hell. 
Likewise  God  is 
referred  to  com- 
monly as  '*An- 
atherP    Santa 
Lucioy  who  re- 
appears, nota- 
bly in  Purg.  ix, 
seems  to  have 


8  Inferno 

been  a  saint  to    Dost  thou  not  hear  him  weep  in  misery? 

whom  Dante  was  j)^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  j^^^  ^^  ^3  combated 

especially  de- 
voted By  Death  upon  a  flood  wild  as  the  sea?" — 

None  ever  in  the  world  so  swiftly  sped 
Avoiding  hurt  or  questing  benefit. 
As  came  I,  after  suchlike  words  were  said, 

Speeding  me  down  from  where  the  blessed  sit, 
Trusting  thy  noble  speech  whose  modest  lore 
Honors  thyself,  and  others  hearing  it.' — 

After  she  this  had  spoken,  she  forbore, 

And,  weeping,  turned  her  shining  eyes  away, 
Wherefore  to  come  she  made  me  hasten  more; 

And,  coming  to  thee  even  as  she  did  pray, 

I  drew  thee  from  that  beast  which  up  the  fair 
Mountain,  bereft  thee  of  the  briefer  way. 

What  ails  thee  then?  ah,  why,  why  tarry  there? 
Why  harbor  in  thy  heart  such  cowardice? 
Why  not  take  liberty  to  do  and  dare. 

When  cherish  for  thee  so  much  care  as  this 

In  Court  of  Heaven  three  Ladies  benedight. 
And  mine  own  speaking  pledges  thee  such  bliss?"— 

Even  as  the  flowerets  by  the  chill  of  night 

Bended  and  closed,  when  brightens  them  the  sun 
Uplift  both  stem  and  petal  to  the  light, 

So  with  my  drooping  courage  I  had  done 
Already,  and  began  Hke  one  set  free. 
So  much  good  daring  to  my  heart  had  run: 

"O  deep  compassion  of  her  who  succored  me ! 
And  courteous  thou,  promptly  obedient 
To  the  true  words  that  she  addressed  to  thee! 

Thy  words  have  with  such  ardent  longing  bent 
My  heart  to  the  adventure  that,  in  troth, 
I  have  returned  now  to  my  first  intent. 

Now  go,  for  one  will  animates  us  both : 

Thou  leader  and  thou  lord  and  master  mild!" — 
So  said  I;  and  he  moving,  nothing  loath 

I  entered  on  the  pathway  deep  and  wild. 


The  Entrance 

m 

The  Dire  Inscription  and  the  Dark  River 

"Through  me  the  way  is  to  the  city  of  woe; 
Through  me  the  way  unto  eternal  pain; 
Through  me  the  way  among  the  lost  below. 

Justice  commoved  my  high  Creator,  when 
Made  me  Divine  Omnipotence,  combined 
With  Primal  Love  and  Wisdom  Sovereign. 

Before  me  nothing  was  of  any  kind 
Except  eterne,  and  I  eterne  abide: 
Leave,  ye  that  enter^  in,  all  „hope..behind  T 

On  high  aHove  a  gateway  I  descried. 
Written  in  dusky  color,  this  device: 
Whence  I:  "The  sense  is  dire  to  me,  O  Guide!" 

Then  answered  he,  as  of  expert  advice : 

"Here  must  thou  every  fear  perforce  neglect. 
Here  must  perforce  be  killed  all  cowardice. 

Now  come  we  where  I  taught  thee  to  expect 
To  look  upon  the  woeful  populace 
Who  have  forgone  the  good  of  intellect." 

Laying  his  hand  on  mine  with  cheerful  face. 

Whence  I  was  comforted,  he  made  me  keep 
Right  on  and  inward  to  the  secret  place. 

Here  lamentations,  sighs,  and  wailings  deep 
Resounding,  so  the  starless  welkin  fill 
That,  at  the  first,  I  could  not  choose  but  weep. 

Strange  languages,  discoursings  horrible. 
Accents  of  anger,  histories  of  woes. 
Smiting  of  hands,  with  voices  hoarse  and  shrill, 

Make  a  tumultuous  roar  that  swirling  goes 
Forever  in  that  air  of  endless  night. 
Like  to  the  sandblast  when  the  whirlwind  blows. 

And  I,  my  temples  girded  with  affright. 

Said:  "Master,  what  is  this,  and  who  may  be 
The  folk  who  seem  in  such  a  woeful  plight,'*" 


10  Inferno 

H 

"The  melancholy  souls/'  then  answered  he, 
"Of  those  enduring  this  condition  dire. 
Lived  void  of  honor  and  of  infamy. 

They  are  commingled  with  that  caitiff  quire 
Of  angels,  who  nowise  rebellious  were. 
Nor  leal  to  God,  but  all  for  self -desire. 

The  Heavens  to  keep  their  beauty  from  impair. 

Banned  them,  nor  harbors  them  the  deep  of  Hell, 
Because  the  damned  some  boast  of  them  would 
bear." 

"Master,"  said  I,  "what  grievance  is  so  fell 

To  these,  that  their  lament  should  be  so  great?" 
He  answered:  "I  will  very  briefly  tell. 

These  have  no  hope  of  death;  and  this  their  state 
Of  blind  existence  is  degraded  so. 
They  are  envious  of  every  other  fate. 

Report  of  them  the  world  does  not  allow; 
Mercy  and  Justice  hold  them  in  disdain : 
Let  us  not  speak  of  them,  but  look,  and  go.** 

And  I  beheld,  on  looking  there  again, 

A  whirling  banner  running  swiftly  on. 
As  scorning  all  delay;  and  such  a  train 

Of  people  in  pursuit  of  it  that  run. 

Nothing  but  seeing  could  belief  persuade 
That  ever  Death  so  many  had  fordone. 

And  recognizing  some,  I  saw  a  shade 

In  whom  detected  I  that  one  of  these 
The  Great  Re-  Who  cravenly  the  Great  Refusal  made. 

hi'mT^  P^l  ^^^  ^^  ^^  sect  of  caitiffs,  who  displease,— 
Cdestine  V,  As  now  forthwith  I  understood  and  knew, — 

il'M^'^nhn  Not  God  alone  but  all  His  enemies. 

itjon  was  proba- 
bly managed  by  Wretches  who  never  were  alive,  and  who 

«co:«r'^t-  Were  sorely  stung  upon  their  bodies  nude 

faceVIII,achief  By  hornets  and  by  wasps  that  thither  llew. 

^^e'p^ml/'''^  These  caused  their  visages  to  stream  with  blood, 

scorn  and  de-  Which,  mixed  with  tears,  was  gathered  at  their  feet 

By  vermin,  foul  and  loathsome  multitude. 


nunciaHon 


C  Charon  J  11 

And  now  my  glances,  pushing  further,  meet 
People  upon  the  marge  of  a  great  stream; 
Whence  I:  "Now  tell  me.  Master,  I  entreat. 

What  folk  are  these,  and  by  what  rule  they  seem 
So  eager  on  the  passage  to  be  gone. 
As  I  distinguish  by  the  feeble  gleam." 

And  he  to  me:  "These  matters  shall  be  known 
Unto  thee,  when  we  stay  from  our  advance 
Upon  the  woeful  marge  of  Acheron." 

Thereon  with  downcast  eyes  and  modest  glance. 
Fearing  my  words  were  irksome  to  him,  I 
Far  as  the  stream  refrained  from  utterance. 

And  lo!  upon  a  bark  approaching  nigh. 

One  white  with  ancient  tresses,  passing  old: 
"Woe  to  .you  wicked  spirits !"  was  his  cry. 

"Hope  nevermore  the  Heavens  to  behold: 
I  come  to  lead  you  to  the  other  bank. 
Into  eternal  darkness,  heat,  and  cold. 

And  thou,  O  living  spirit,  from  the  rank 

Dispart  thee,  of  these  others  who  are  dead." 
And  when  he  saw  me  not  as  one  who  shrank: 

"Another  way,  by  other  ports,"  he  said, 

"Not  here,  shalt  come  for  ferriage  to  the  shore: 
Upon  a  lighter  keel  must  thou  be  sped." 

"Vex  thee  not,  Charon,"  said  my  Monitor: 

"Thus  it  is  willed  where  will  is  one  and  same 
With  potence  to  fulfill, — and  ask  no  more." 

Then  quieted  the  shaggy  cheeks  became. 

Of  him,  the  boatman  of  the  marish  dark. 
Who  round  about  his  eyes  had  wheels  of  flame. 

But  all  those  spirits,  so  forworn  and  stark, 

Change  color  and  their  teeth  are  chattering. 
As  soon  as  they  the  cruel  accents  mark. 

God  they  blaspheme  and  their  own  sires,  and  fling 
Curses  on  race  and  place  and  time  and  law 
Both  of  their  birth  and  their  engendering. 


12  Inferno 

Then,  flocking  all  together,  they  withdraw. 

Bitterly  weeping,  to  the  cursed  shore  ' 

Awaiting  each  who  holds  not  God  in  awe. 
Charon,  the  demon,  with  the  eyes  that  glow'r. 

Beckoning  to  them,  every  one  receives. 

And  smites  whoever  lingers,  with  the  oar. 
As  in  the  autumn  season  when  the  leaves. 

First  one  and  then  another,  lightly  fall,  j 

Till  all  upon  the  ground  the  bough  perceives;  j 

Likewise  the  evil  seed  of  Adam  all  i 

Fling  them  from  off  that  margin  one  by  one  \ 

At  signals,  like  the  bird  at  his  recall. 
Thus  over  the  dusk  water  they  are  gone,  ^ 

And  ere  they  can  alight  on  yonder  strand  \ 

Forgathers  a  fresh  throng  on  this  anon. 
"Son,'^  said  the  courteous  Master,  "understand 

That  those  who  perish  subject  to  God's  ire  ^ 

Are  all  assembled  here  from  every  land. 
And  ready  are  to  pass  the  river  dire. 

Because  Celestial  Justice  so  doth  goad 

That  very  fear  converts  into  desire.  ; 

No  righteous  spirit  ever  takes  this  road:  ! 

And  hence,  though  Charon  may  of  thee  complain,  j 

Thou  knowest  now  the  meaning  of  his  mode." —  ■ 

When  he  had  ended,  all  the  dreary  plain 

So  trembled  that,  but  calling  it  to  mind,  \ 

The  terror  bathes  me  now  with  sweat  again.  \ 

The  land  of  tears  gave  forth  a  blast  of  wind  ^ 

With  lightning  flashes  of  vermilion  deep,  j 

Whence  consciousness  I  utterly  resigned:  \ 

Then  sank  I  Hke  one  overcome  with  sleep,  j 


^^Now  go  we  down  among  the  people  blind^^    13 

IV 

First  CiRCL]5;,LiMBo;  the  Virtuous  PagaKS 

A  pealing  burst  of  thunder  loosed  my  sense 

From  chains  of  heavy  sleep,  and  made  me  bound 
Like  one  who  is  awakt  by  violence: 

And,  risen  erect,  on  every  side  around 

I  moved  my  rested  eye,  and  fixed  my  sight 
To  recognize  the  features  of  that  ground. 

True  is  it  that  I  stood  upon  the  height 

Above  the  valley  of  the  Abyss  of  Woe, 
Which  gathers  roar  of  wailing  infinite. 

It  was  so  dark,  deep,  cloudy,  that  although 
My  gaze  upon  the  bottom  I  confined. 
Not  anything  discerned  I  there  below. 

"Now  go  we  down  among  the  people  blind," 
Began  the  Poet,  pallid  as  the  dead: 
"I  will  go  first,  and  follow  thou  behind.^' 

And  I,  observant  of  his  pallor,  said: 

"How  shall  I  come  if  thou  afraid  appear. 
By  whom  I  am  wonted  to  be  comforted?" 

"The  anguish  of  the  people  downward  here. 
Portrays  upon  my  face,"  said  he  at  this, 
"That  pity  which  thou  deemest  to  be  fear. 

The  long  way  urges:  come,  be  not  remiss." 

Thus  he  set  forth,  and  made  me  enter  thus. 
The  foremost  circle  that  begirds  the  abyss. 

Here  was  no  sound  perceptible  to  us 

Of  wailing,  only  sighs  and  sighs  again. 
That  made  the  eternal  air  all  tremulous: 

And  this  arose  from  woe  unpanged  with  pain, 
Felt  by  the  great  and  thronging  multitude 
Of  children  and  of  women  and  of  men. 

"Askest  thou  not,"  resumed  the  Master  good, 

"What  spirits  these  may  be  thou  dost  behold? 
Now  ere  thou  go,  I  wish  it  understood 


14  Inferno 

Though  these  sinned  not,  their  merit  manifold 
Doth  not,  for  want  of  Baptism,  signify, — 
The  portal  of  the  faith  which  thou  dost  hold. 

They  worshipt  God  but  through  idolatry. 
Seeing  they  were  to  Christian  ages  prior: 
And  among  such  as  these  myself  am  I. 

Eor  such  defects,  and  for  no  trespass  dire. 
Lost  are  we,  suffering  no  more  but  so. 
That  j^thout  hope  we  languish  in  desire." 

On  hearing  this,  laid  hold  on  me  great  woe. 
For  very  worthy  people  knew  I  well. 
Suspended  in  that  Limbo  there  below. 

"O  tell  me.  Lord,  O  Master,  speak  and  tell," 
Began  I,  wishing  full  intelligence 
About  the  faith  that  doth  all  error  quell, 

"Went  ever  any  by  self -merit  hence. 
Or  by  another's,  to  a  blissful  fate?" 
And  he,  who  understood  my  covert  sense. 

Made  answer:  "I  was  new  unto  this  state, 
When  I  beheld  One  come  omnipotent. 
With  sign  of  victory  incoronate. 

The  shade  of  our  first  father  penitent, 

Abel  his  son  and  Noah,  hence  He  drew; 
Moses  the  lawgiver  obedient; 

Patriarch  Abraham,  King  David  too; 
Israel  with  his  sire,  with  every  son. 
With  Rachel  for  whose  sake  such  pains  he  knew, 

And  many  more,  and  gave  them  benison: 

And  thou  must  know  that  earlier  than  these. 
Never  a  human  soul  salvation  won." 

Not  for  his  speaking,  did  our  going  cease. 

But  ever  through  the  forest  did  we  fare, — 

The  forest,  I  mean,  where  spirits  were  the  trees^" 

We  had  not  traveled  far  as  yet  from  where 
My  sleep  befell,  when  I  beheld  a  blaze 
Which  conquered  from  the  dark  a  hemisphere. 


Dante  Received  among  the  Great  Poets        15 

We  still  were  distant  by  a  little  space. 
Yet  not  so  far  but  I  discerned  in  part 
That  honorable  people  held  that  place. 

**0  thou  who  honorest  both  science  and  art. 

Who  may  these  be  that  so  great  honor  claim. 
Thus  set  from  fashion  of  the  rest  apart?" 

And  he  to  me :  "The  honorable  fame 

Concerning  them  that  in  thy  life  doth  ring. 
Wins  grace  in  Heaven  that  so  advances  them." 

Hereon  I  heard  a  voice  thus  heralding: 
"Honor  to  him  of  poets  loftiest ! 
His  shade  returneth  home  from  wandering." 

After  the  voice  had  ceast  and  was  at  rest. 
Four  mighty  shades  advancing  did  I  see. 
In  whom  nor  grief  nor  joy  was  manifest. 

The  Master  good  began  to  say  to  me: 

"Mark  him  there,  carrying  that  sword  in  hand. 
Who,  as  their  lord,  comes  on  before  the  three: 

*Tis  Homer,  sovran  bard  of  every  land, 
Horace  next  after  him,  satiric  wit. 
Third  Ovid,  Lucan  last  of  all  the  band. 

Since  unto  each  doth,  as  to  me,  befit 

The  name  the  one  voice  sounded,  in  such  wise 
They  do  me  honor,  and  do  well  in  it." 

Thus  gathered  the  fair  school  before  mine  eyes. 
Of  him,  the  lord  of  song  the  loftiest. 
Who  o*er  the  others  like  an  eagle  flies. 

When  they  had  talkt  awhile  with  him,  the  rest 
To  me  with  signs  of  salutation  bent; 
Whereat  my  Master's  smile  his  mind  exprest. 

They  paid  me  honor  far  more  eminent. 

In  that  they  made  me  of  their  brotherhood: 
So  I  was  sixth  of  them,  the  sapient. 

Toward  the  light  we  thus  our  way  pursued. 
Discoursing  things  whereof  fits  reticence, 
Even  as  there  to  speak  of  them  was  good. 


16 


Inferno 


The  gates  of  the 
CasUe,  con- 
ceived as  a  mag- 
nificent Uni- 
versity, typify 
the  seven  liberal 
arts  of  the  Triv- 
ium  {grammar, 
logic,  rhetoric) 
and  the  Quadrir- 
ium  {arithmetic, 
geometry,  as- 
tronomy, music) . 
These  formed 
the  regular  cur- 
riculum of  the 
schools,  as  being 
the  avenues  to 
all  human 
knowledge 


We  gained  a  castle's  grand  circumference, 
With  seven  lofty  walls  encircled  round, 
Bemoated  with  a  brooklet  for  defense. 

This  passed  we  over  as  upon  dry  ground: 

Through  seven  gates  I  with  those  sages  went; 
A  meadow  of  fresh  verdure  there  we  found. 

People  were  there  of  aspect  eminent. 

With  eyes  that  moved  majestical  and  slow: 
Taciturn-,  but  with  voices  sweetly  blent. 

A  little  to  one  side  withdrew  we  so. 

Into  an  open  place,  and  high  and  sheen, 
Where  one  and  all  we  might  behold  and  know. 

There  opposite,  upon  the  enameled  green, 

Were  shown  to  me  the  mighty  souls,  whom  I 
Feel  inwardly  exalted  to  have  seen. 

1  :^aw  Electra  with  much  people  by. 

Hector  among  them,  and  ^Eneas  descried, 
And  armored  Caesar  with  the  falcon  eye. 

Camiir,  Penthesilea,  I  espied; 

Over  against  them  King  Latinus  dwelled, 
Lavinia,  his  daughter,  by  his  side. 

I  saw  that  Brutus  Tarquin  who  expelled; 
Lucrece,  Cornelia,  Julia,  Marcia;  then 
Alone,  apart,  great  Saladin  beheld. 

And  when  I  lifted  up  my  brows  again, 

The  Master  I  beheld  of  those  who  know. 
Sitting  amid  the  philosophic  train. 

All  look  to  him,  to  him  all  honor  show: 
Here  saw  I  Plato,  Socrates  advance. 
Who  nearer  him  before  the  others  go; 

Democritus,  who  puts  the  world  on  chance, 
Anaxagoras  and  Diogenes  I  saw; 
Dioscorides,  collector  good  of  plants; 

Thales,  and  Zeno  of  the  Stoic  law; 
Orpheus,  Heraclitus,  Empedocles, 
TuUy,  and  Linus,  and  moral  Seneca; 


"T/ie  w(yrd  comes  short  of  thought^^  17 

Euclid,  geometer;  Hippocrates, 

Ptolemy,  Avicen,  Galen;  him  who  wrought 
The  Commentary  great,  Averroes. 

In  full  concerning  all  report  I  not. 

For  the  long  theme  impels  me  forward:  thus 
Many  a  time  the  word  comes  short  of  thoughL. 

The  Band  of  six  gives  place  to  two  of  us: 

My  sage  Guide  leads  me  by  another  way 
Forth  from  the  still  air  to  the  tremulous; 

And  now  I  come  where  shines  no  light  of  day. 


18  Inferno 


Second  Circle:  Francesca  da  Rimini 

From  the  first  circle  thus  I  made  descent 

Down  to  the  second,  whose  contracted  rim 
Girdles  so  much  more  woe  it  goads  lament. 

There  Minos  stands  and  snarls  with  clamor  grim, 
Examines  the  transgressions  at  the  gate. 
Judges,  and  sends  as  he  encircles  him. 

Yea,  when  the  spirit  born  to  evil  fate 

Before  him  comes  confessing  all,  that  fell 
Distinguisher  among  the  reprobate. 

Seeing  what  place  belongs  to  it  in  Hell, 

Entwines  him  with  his  tail  such  times  as  show 
How  many  circles  down  he  bids  it  dwell. 

Always  before  him  many  wait;  they  go 

All  turn  by  turn  to  sentence  for  their  sin: 
They  tell  and  hear  and  then  are  whirled  below. 

"O  thou  that  comest  to  the  woeful  inn !" 
As  soon  as  he  beheld  me,  Minos  cried. 
Leaving  the  act  of  so  great  discipline, 

"Beware  to  enter,  beware  in  whom  confide. 

Be  not  deceived  by  wideness  of  the  door." — 
"Why  dost  thou  also  clamor?"  said  my  Guide, 

"Bar  not  his  going  fated  from  before: 

Thus  it  is  willed  up  yonder  where  is  might 
To  bring  the  will  to  pass,  and  ask  no  more." — 

And  now  the  notes  of  woe  begin  to  smite 
The  hollow  of  mine  ear;  now  am  I  come 
Where  I  am  pierced  by  wailings  infinite. 

I  came  into  a  place  of  all  fight  dumb. 

Which  bellows  fike  a  sea  where  thunders  roll 
And  counter-winds  contend  for  masterdom. 

The  infernal  hurricane  beyond  control 

Sweeps  on  and  on  with  ravishment  malign 
Whirling  and  buffeting  each  hapless  soul. 


'^Blown  toith  restless  violence^^  19 


When  by  the  headlong  tempest  hurled  supine,  ; 

Here  are  the  shrieks,  the  moaning,  the  laments,  i 

Here  they  blaspheme  the  puissance  divine.  ! 

I  learned  that  to  such  sorry  recompense  1 

Are  damned  the  sinners  of  the  carnal  sting,  ' 

Who  make  the  reason  thrall  to  appetence.  ] 

And  as  great  flocks  of  starlings  on  the  wing  '] 

In  winter  time  together  trooping  go,  ^ 

So  did  that  blast  the  wicked  spirits  fling  ■ 

Now  here,  now  there,  now  up,  and  now  below:  \ 

Comfort  of  hope  to  them  is  never  known  1 

Either  of  rest  or  even  less  bitter  woe.  ] 

And  as  the  pilgrim  cranes  from  zone  to  zone  j 

Draw  out  their  aery  file  and  chant  the  dirge,  j 

So  saw  I,  and  I  heard  them  making  moan,  /; 

Shadows  who  on  that  storm-blast  whirl  and  surge:  ; 

Whence  I:  "Who,  Master,  are  those  tempest-flung,  i 

Round  whom  the  black  air  whistles  like  a 
scourge?" — 

"The  first,"  said  he,  "that  multitude  among. 

Of  whom  thou  seekest  knowledge  more  precise,  \ 

Was  empress  over  many  a  tribe  and  tongue.  ; 

Abandoned  so  was  she  to  wanton  vice  j 

That,  her  own  stigma  so  to  wipe  away,  , 

Lust  was  made  licit  by  her  law  device.  ^ 

That  is  Semiramis, — as  annals  say  I 

Consort  of  Ninus  and  successor  too; 
Where  governs  now  the  Soldan,  she  held  sway. 

The  next  one,  lo !  herself  for  love  she  slew  \ 

And  to  Sichaeus'  urn  her  faith  dismissed; 
Next  wanton  Cleopatra  comes  to  view; 

Now  lookest  thou  on  Helen,  whose  acquist 

Brought  evil  years;  and  great  Achilles  see  5 

Who  found  in  Love  his  last  antagonist.  j 

Look,  Paris,  Tristan  .  .  ."  and  he  pointed  me  i 

A  thousand  shades,  and  named  me  every  name. 
Who  in  our  life  gave  Love  the  victory,  i 


20  Inferno 

When  I  had  heard  my  Teacher  many  a  dame 
Of  eld  enumerate,  and  many  a  knight, 
Pity  assailed  me  and  almost  overcame. 

"Poet,'^  began  I,  "fain  would  I  invite 

Speech  with  those  twain  who  go  a  single  way 
And  seem  upon  the  wind  to  be  so  Hght." — 

And  he  made  answer:  "Thou  shalt  mark  when  they 
Draw  near  to  us,  and  then  adjure  them  by 
The  Love  that  leads  them,  and  they  will  obey."- 

Thereafter  when  a  whirlwind  swept  them  nigh 
I  lifted  up  my  voice:  "O  souls  forsp>ent. 
Come  and  have  speech  with  us  if  none  deny." — 

As  doves  to  the  heart's  call  obedient 
Are  borne  along  to  the  beloved  nest 
On  wide  and  steady  pinions  homeward  bent. 

So  these  came  tow'rd  us  through  the  air  unblest. 
Veering  from  Dido  and  her  multitude, 
So  tender  and  so  strong  was  my  request. 

"O  living  creature  full  of  grace  and  good 

Who  goest  through  the  dusk  air  visiting 

Us  who  left  earth  encrimsoned  with  our  blood, 

If  friendly  were  the  Universal  King 

We  would  be  praying  to  Him  for  thy  peace. 
Seeing  thou  pitiest  our  suffering. 

Whatever  ye  to  speak  and  hear  may  please, 
Ravenna,  where  That  will  we  speak  and  hear  you  close  at  hand, 

Dante  spent  his  j£    ^^      j^j^  ^^le  wind  as  now  may  cease. 

latter  years  in  •^  .  i  i 

the  service  or      The  town  where  I  was  born  sits  on  the  strand 

under  the  pro-  Beside  the  water  where  descends  the  Po 
tection  of  its  •  •       i        j 

hrd,  Guido  In  quest  of  peace,  with  his  companion  band. 
NoDeUo  da  Po-     j^       ^^^^^  j^    ^^^^^  y^^^^  -g  ^^^^      j^^ 

lenta,  a  nephew  t-iiiT  i-  i.        ^  f  > 

of  Francesca.  Laid  hold  on  this  one  for  the  person  fair 

Thern^e  of  her  Bereft  me,  and  the  mode  is  still  my  woe. 

death  is  so  '  / 

grievous  to  her    Love  that  doth  none  beloved  from  loving  spare, 
because  It  de-  rp^  ^^  j^jj^  pleasure  made  my  heart  so  fain 

pnved  her  of  a  ^  ,     i    .     p     i 

chance  to  repent  That,  as  thou  seest,  not  yet  doth  it  forbear. 


Francesca  21 

Love  led  us  down  to  death  together:  Cain 

Awaits  the  soul  of  him  who  laid  us  dead." — 
These  words  from  them  to  us  returned  again. 

Hearing  those  injured  souls,  I  bowed  my  head 
And  held  it  for  so  long  dejectedly 
That,  "Whereon  thinkest  thou?"  the  Poet  said. 

When  I  could  answer,  I  began:  "Ah  me, 

How  many  tender  thoughts,  what  longing  drew 
These  lovers  to  the  pass  of  agony." — 

Thereafter  I  turned  to  them,  and  spoke  anew: 
"Francesca,  all  thy  torments  dim  mine  eyes 
With  tears  that  flow  for  sympathy  and  rue. 

But  tell  me,  in  the  time  of  the  sweet  sighs 

By  what,  and  how  did  Love  to  you  disclose 
The  vague  desires,  that  ye  should  realize?" — 

And  she  to  me:  "It  is  the  woe  of  woes  x. 

Remembrance  of  the  happy  time  to  keepT 
In  misery, — and  that  thy  Teacher  knows. 

But  if  thy  yearning  be  indeed  so  deep 

To  know  the  first  root  of  a  love  so  dear, 
I  will  do  even  as  they  who  speak  and  weep. 

One  day  together  read  we  for  good  cheer 
Of  Love,  how  he  laid  hold  on  Launcelot: 
Alone  we  were  and  without  any  fear. 

Many  and  many  a  time  that  reading  brought 
Our  eyes  to  meet,  and  blancht  our  faces  o'er. 
But  only  one  point  we  resisted  not. 

When  reading  of  the  smile  long-waited-for 
Being  kissed  by  such  a  lover  chivalrous. 
He,  never  now  from  me  divided  more. 

Kissed  me  upon  the  mouth,  all  tremulous.  .  . 
Gallehaut  was  the  book  and  writer  too: 
That  day  there  was  no  reading  more  for  us." — 

And  while  one  soul  was  saying  this,  for  rue 
So  wept  the  other,  that  I  fainted  all 
For  pity,  even  as  dying  persons  do. 

And  fell,  as  would  a  lifeless  body  fall. 


22  Inferno 

VI 

Third  Circle:  The  Intemperate 

On  coming  to  my  senses,  closed  at  sight 
Deplorable  of  them,  the  kindred  twain, 
Pity  for  whom  had  overwhelmed  me  quite. 

New  souls  in  torment  and  new  modes  of  pain 
Wherever  I  am  moving  I  behold. 
Wherever  I  turn  and  look  about  again. 

In  the  Third  Circle  am  I,  where  the  cold 
Eternal  cursed  heavy  rain  doth  flow. 
In  mode  and  measure  ever  as  of  old. 

Thick  hail  and  turbid  water-drops  and  snow 
Down  through  the  darkling  air  forever  fall; 
Foul  stench  receives  them  on  the  ground  below. 

Cerberus,  fierce  and  monstrous  animal. 

With  triple  gullet  barks  in  currish  wise 
Above  the  people  here  submerged  withal. 

Greasy  and  black  his  beard,  and  red  his  eyes. 
And  belly  big,  and  fingers  clawed  amain: 
Clutching  the  spirits,  he  doth  rend  and  slice. 

Howling  like  dogs  by  reason  of  the  rain. 

They  shelter  one  side  with  the  other, — ^thus 
Turn  back  and  forth  the  reprobates  profane. 

The  open-mouthed  great  dragon  Cerberus 

Displayed  his  fangs,  what  time  he  us  descried: 
No  limb  had  he  that  was  not  tremulous. 

And,  spreading  palms  and  fingers  out,  my  Guide 
Took  earth  up  and,  full-fisted,  flung  it  right 
Into  those  gullets  ravenous  and  wide. 

As  dog  that  barks  for  craving  appetite 

Grows  quiet  setting  tooth  upon  his  food. 
For  but  to  gorge  it  doth  he  tug  and  fight. 

So  quiet  grew  those  faces,  filth-imbrued, 
Of  Demon  Cerberus,  who  bellows  so 
The  spirits  would  be  deaf  if  they  but  could. 


Prophecy  of  Ciacco  23 

We  passed  above  the  shadows  whom  below 
The  heavy  rain  is  beating,  treading  down 
What  seems  a  body,  but  is  empty  show. 

Prone  on  the  bottom  lay  they  every  one, 
Except  that  sudden  sat  erect  one  shade 
As  soon  as  it  perceived  us  passing  on. 

*0  thou  who  through  this  Hell  art  led,"  it  prayed, 
"Recall  me,  if  thou  canst,  to  memory : 
Or  ever  I  was  unmade,  wast  thou  made." 

**Perchance,"  said  I,  "the  anguish  thou  dost  dree. 
Doth  from  my  memory  thy  form  efface 
So  that,  it  seems,  I  never  looked  on  thee. 

But  tell  me  who  thou  art,  that  in  a  place 
So  woeful  liest,  punished  in  such  plight 
That  none,  though  greater,  were  so  much  disgrace." 

"Thy  city,"  he  returned,  "distended  quite 

With  envy  till  the  sack  no  more  can  hold, 
Held  me  as  hers,  when  life  to  me  was  bright. 

Ciacco,  ye  citizens  called  me  of  old: 

For  the  pernicious  guilt  of  gluttony 

The  rain  subdues  me,  as  thou  dost  behold. 

And,  wretched  spirit,  not  alone  am  I, 

Since  for  like  guilt  these  suffer,  all  and  some. 
Like  punishment:"  no  more  he  made  reply. 

"Ciacco,"  I  answered  him,  "thy  martyrdom 

Doth  weigh  me  down  to  tears  compassionate: 
But  tell  me,  if  thou  knowest,  to  what  will  come 

The  citizens  of  the  divided  state.'* 

If  any  one  therein  be  just?  and  whence 
Such  mighty  discord  makes  it  desolate?" 

And  he  to  me:  "After  long  turbulence 

There  will  be  bloodshed,  and  the  rustics,  they 
Will  drive  the  others  forth,  with  much  offense. 

Thereafter  it  behooves  them  fall  away 

Within  three  suns,  and  the  others  rise  again 
Thanks  to  a  certain  one  who  trims  today. 


u 


Inferno 


This  prophecy 
refers  to  inci- 
dents in  the  bit- 
ter, fluctuating, 
dramatic   strug- 
gle for  mastery 
in  Florence  be- 
tween  the   aris- 
tocratic  Black 
Guelfs,   cap- 
tained by  Corso 
Donaii,  and  the 
Whites,    led   by 
the  Cerchi, — 
whose  rustic 
origin  is  so  often 
referred  to  as  to 
convince  us  that 
they  retained 
some  of  the 
faults  of  breed- 
ing that  stamp 
in  all  ages 
the  newly 
rich— The 
trimmer  is  Pope 
Boniface.    Who 
the  two  just  men 
are  is  matier  of 
conjecture.     We 
shall  meet  all 
but  one  of  the 
celebrities  re- 
ferred to  by 
name 


Long  while  shall  they  a  lofty  front  maintain, 

Keeping  the  former,  spite  of  tears  and  shame, 
'Neath  heavy  fardels  bended  down  amain. 

The  just  are  two,  but  none  gives  heed  to  them: 
Envy  and  avarice  and  arrogance 
Are  triple  sparks  that  set  all  hearts  aflame." 

Here  ended  he  the  sad  deliverance. 

And  I :  "Pray  thee,  instruct  me  further  forth, — 
I  crave  the  guerdon  of  more  utterance. 

Of  Tegghiaio  and  Farinata,  men  of  worth. 
Of  Rusticucci,  Arrigo,  Mosca,  tell. 
And  of  the  others  who  brought  good  to  birth. 

Where  are  they, — cause  that  I  may  know  them  well: 
For  great  desire  constrains  me  to  descry 
If  Heaven  may  soothe  them,  or  envenom  Hell." 

"They  are  among  the  souls  of  blackest  dye. 

Whom  sins  diverse  down  to  the  bottom  weigh: 
Thou  mayst  behold  them,  going  down  where  they  lie. 

But  when  thou  art  in  the  sweet  world,  I  pray 

That  thou  wilt  bring  me  back  to  human  mind: 
No  more  I  answer  thee,  no  more  I  say." 

His  straight  eyes  thereupon  aslant  inclined, 

Awhile  he  scanned  me;  then  did  headlong  fall 
Down  to  the  level  of  the  other  blind. 

"No  more,"  my  Leader  said,  "he  waken  shall 
This  side  of  the  angelic  trumpet  sound. 
When  shall  arrive  the  judge  inimical 

Each  one  shall  in  his  dismal  tomb  be  found. 
His  flesh  and  outward  figure  reassume. 
And  hear  what  shall  eternally  resound." 

So  fared  we  onward  through  that  filthy  scum 
Of  shadows  and  of  sleet,  with  footing  slow. 
Touching  a  little  on  the  life  to  come. 

Wherefore  I  questioned:  "Master,  will  this  woe 
After  the  mighty  Judgment  grow  amain. 
Or  less  become,  or  burning  be  just  so?" 


Unrelenting  Justice  25 

"Turn  to  thy  science,"  answered  he  again, 

**  Which  holds,  the  more  complete  the  thing,  the  more 
It  feels  of  pleasure,  and  the  hke  of  pain. 

Though  these  accursed  people  nevermore 
Reach  true  perfection,  after  that  event 
They  look  to  be  completer  than  before.** 

A  circling  course  along  that  road  we  went. 
Speaking  far  more  than  may  repeated  be; 
Then  came  we  to  the  point  of  the  descent. 

And  here  found  Plutus  the  arch-enemy. 


26  Inferno 

VII  I 

Fourth  Circle  :  The  Parsimonious  and  the  j 
Prodigal 

3 

"Pap6  Satan  Pape  Satan  aleppe!"  \ 

Thus  Plutus'  clucking  voice  beginning  went; 

And  that  benignant  Sage,  experienced  : 

In  all  things,  said  for  my  encouragement:  I 

"Fear  not,  for  any  war  that  he  may  wage 

Shall  not  prohibit  thee  the  rock's  descent.'^  1 

Then  to  that  bloated  visage  turned  my  Sage,  ■ 

And  said:  "Accursed  wolf,  be  not  so  loud! 

And  be  thou  gnawed  within  by  thine  own  rage.  \ 

Not  without  cause  this  going  is  allowed:  \ 

Thus  it  is  willed  above  where  Michael  j 

Wrought  vengeance  for  the  deed  of  whoredom 

proud/' —  1 

As  ocean-faring  sails,  which  the  winds  swell,  \ 

Would  fall  entangled  should  the  mainmast  crack. 

So  to  the  ground  the  cruel  monster  fell.  \ 

Descending  into  the  Fourth  Gap,  we  track  ] 

Still  farther  that  declivity  of  woe  | 

Which  doth  our  universal  guilt  ensack. 

Justice  Divine!  can  any  there  below  I 

Heap  up  such  penalties  and  travail  new?  \ 

And  why  does  guilt  of  ours  consume  us  so?  * 

As  on  Charybdis  yonder  surges  do,  i 

Each  against  other  shattering  its  crest,  I 

So  here  the  folk  their  counter-dance  pursue. 

Here  saw  I  people  more  than  all  the  rest  ! 

Who  from  each  quarter,  with  a  howling  din,  ; 

Were  trundling  burdens  by  main  force  of  breast.  \ 

They  clash  together,  and  then  both  begin  \ 

The  counter-movement,  rolling  back  again,  \ 

Shouting:  "Why   throw  away?''  find  "Why  hold  j 
in?"— 


Transient  Farce  of  Getting  and  Spending     27 


So  on  both  sides  they  circle  to  regain 

The  point  opposed,  along  the  dismal  mew. 
Still  shouting  their  opprobrious  refrain: 

Then  as  along  his  semicircle  drew 

Each  one  to  the  other  joust,  he  wheeled  withal. 
And  I,  who  felt  my  heart  as  stricken  through. 

Said:  "Master  mine,  now  tell  me,  who  may  all 
These  people  be?  and  on  our  left-hand  side 
These  shaven  crowrffe, — ^were  they  all  clerical?" — 

"All  these  were  in  the  first  life,^^  he  replied, 

"Of  mind  so  squinting  that  the  middle  route 
Of  measured  spending  could  not  be  espied. 

With  voice  exceeding  clear  they  bark  this  out. 
When  to  the  two  points  of  the  circle  come. 
Where  counter-crime  compels  them  turn  about. 

These  heads  bereft  of  hair  were,  all  and  some. 
Priests,  popes,  and  cardinals,  whose  practices 
Show  avarice  in  sovereign  masterdom." 

Then  said  I:  "Master,  among  such  as  these 

There  surely  must  be  some  I  ought  to  know. 
Who  were  defiled  with  these  iniquities." 

And  he  to  me:  "Vain  thoughts  combinest  thou: 
The  purblind  hfe  that  made  them  sordid  there 
Bedims  them  to  all  recognition  now. 

To  the  two  buttings  will  they  ever  fare; 
Out  of  the  sepulcher  will  these  arise 
Close-fisted,  even  as  those  with  scissored  hair. 

Ill-giving  and  keeping  ill  have  Paradise 

Bereft  them,  and  in  such  a  scuffle  joined: 
No  beauteous  phrase  to  grace  it  I  devise. 

How  transient  is  the  farce,  here  mayst  thou  find. 
Of  goods  committed  unto  Fortune,  son. 
Whence  buffet  one  another  humankind. 

For  all  the  gold  the  moon  looks  down  upon. 
Or  that  did  ever  in  the  world  exist. 
Could  of  these  weary  souls  give  rest  to  none.** 


Cro'pt  hair  is  a 
symbol  of  lavish- 
ness.  ^He  has 
spent  his  whole 
substance,  even 
to  the  hair  of  his 
head"  (Italian 
saying) 


Inferno 


Fortune,  re-        "Master,  now  tell  me  more/'  did  I  insist:  ! 

InXZm.            "This  Fortune  whereunto  thou  dost  allude,  \ 

gence  whose                What  is  she,  with  the  world's  wealth  in  her  fist?"  \ 

t:^ij^  And  he  to  me:  "0  fooUsh  human  brood,  ' 
mighty  and  exalt           What  ignorance  is  this  wherein  ye  pine! 

th^e^of  low                 j^^^  Ig^  j^y  judgment  of  her  be  thy  food :—  , 

He  whose  transcendent  wisdom  is  divine,  1 

Fashioned  the  skies,  and  gave  them  those  who         \ 

guide  j 

That  every  part  to  every  part  may  shine,  | 

So  equally  do  they  the  light  divide;  * 

Likewise  for  earthly  grandeur  did  ordain  < 

A  common  regent,  who,  as  times  betide,  ] 

Might  work  vicissitude  of  treasures  vain, 

That  they  from  people  and  from  kindred  pass,  \ 

Beyond  all  human  prudence  to  restrain.  ] 

Whence  rules  one  race,  another  cries  *Alas!'  ] 
Obeying  her  decree,  the  circumstance 
Whereof  is  hidden,  like  the  snake  in  grass. 

Your  wisdom  can  no  counterstand  advance:  ; 

She  looks  beforehand,  judges,  and  pursues,  ^ 

As  do  the  other  gods,  her  governance.  ' 

Her  permutations  have  not  any  truce:  . 

Necessity  makes  her  precipitate,  ^ 

With  frequent  turns  of  luck  at  fast  and  loose.  j 

Such  is  that  one  against  whom  people  prate  '• 

Who  rather  ought  to  praise  her,  doing  amiss  \ 

To  deal  in  blame  and  to  vitupyerate.  J 

But  she  is  blest  and  takes  no  heed  of  this:  i 

With  other  primal  creatures  jocundly  ' 

She  rolls  her  wheel,  rejoicing  in  her  bliss.  I 

Now  go  we  down  to  deeper  misery:  i 
Already  sinks  each  star  that  made  ascent 
When  I  set  forth, — ^no  loitering  may  be." 

Across  the  circle  to  the  bound  we  went,  i 
Above  Bt  bubbling  fountain  that  careered 
Down  through  a  gully  where  it  found  a  vent. 


The  Sordid  Fen                          29  1 

I 

The  water  far  more  dark  than  perse  appeared: 
And  as  the  dusky  waves  companioned  us. 

We  entered  downward  by  a  pathway  weird.  : 

A  marish,  Styx  by  name,  this  dolorous 

Rivulet  fosters  when  its  waters  flow       *  j 

To  foot  of  the  gray  slope  precipitous.  J 

And  standing  there  intently  gazing,  lo!  h 

I  saw  a  folk  bemired  upon  that  fen,  \ 

All  of  them  naked,  and  with  look  of  woe.  i 

Each  smote  his  fellow  with  the  hand,  and  then 

With  both  the  feet  and  with  the  chest  and  head,  i 

Rending  with  teeth  and  rending  once  again.  i 

"Now  seest  thou,  son,"  the  kindly  Master  said.  The   Wrathful    i 

"The  souls  of  those  whom  Wrath  did  overquell :        ""^  ^  ^""^     \ 

And  I  would  also  have  it  credited  \ 

That  underneath  the  water  people  dwell  i 
Who  sigh,  and  make  it  bubble  at  the  brim. 

As  wheresoe'er  it  turn,  thine  eye  may  tell.  ,* 

Fixt  in  the  ooze,  they  murmur  forth  this  hymn:  ] 

*  Sweet  sun-rejoicing  air  did  we  respire  i 

Sullenly,  drowned  in  sluggish  vapors  grim:  ' 

Now  lie  we  sullen  here  in  the  black  mire.*  ^ 

They  gurgle  in  their  gullets  this  refrain,  I 
Because  they  cannot  speak  with  words  entire.^ 

Thus,  in  wide  compass  round  the  filthy  fen. 

Between  the  dry  bank  and  the  bog  we  passed,  ] 

Scanning  the  guzzlers  of  the  puddle:  then  j 

We  reacht  the  bottom  of  a  tower  at  last.  ^ 


30  Inferno 

VIII 

Fifth  Circle:  The  Wrathful 

Long  while  before  (I  say  continuing) 

We  reacht  the  bottom  of  that  tower  so  high. 
Our  gaze  upon  its  top  was  Hngering 

By  reason  of  two  hghts  we  could  descry; 
And  other  signal  gleamed  far  opposite. 
So  far  away  it  hardly  caught  the  eye. 

Turned  to  that  Sea  of  Wisdom  infinite, 

I  said:  "What  means  this?  what  may  answered  be 
By  yonder  beacon?  and  who  kindled  it?" 

"The  thing  we  await  thou  mayst  already  see 
Over  the  turbid  waves,"  he  answered,  "so 
The  marish-vapor  hide  it  not  from  thee." 

Cord  never  shot  an  arrow  from  the  bow 

That  ran  so  swift  a  course  athwart  the  air. 
As  o'er  the  water  at  that  moment,  lo! 

I  saw  a  little  bark  toward  us  fare. 

Under  a  single  boatman's  pilotage. 

Who  shouted:  "Now,  fell  spirit,  art  thou  there?" 

*Phlegyas,  Phlegyas,"  replied  to  him  my  Sage, 
"This  time  thou  shoutest  vainly:  it  is  meet 
Thou  have  us  but  to  pass  the  ferriage." 

As  one  who  listens  to  some  foul  deceit 

That  has  been  done  him,  and  resents  it  sore, 
Such  became  Phlegyas  in  his  gathered  heat. 

Embarking  thereupon  my  Monitor 

Caused  me  to  take  my  station  at  his  side, — 
And  only  then  the  boat  seemed  laden  more. 

When  I  was  in  the  wherry  with  my  Guide, 
The  ancient  prow  upon  the  passage  sped. 
More  than  with  others  furrowing  the  tide. 
Filippo  Argenii  While  we  were  running  through  the  channel  dead, 
house  of^he  Arose  before  me  one  whom  mud  did  steep: 

Adimari,  a  "Who  art  thou,  coming  ere  thy  time?"  he  said. 


The  Poefs  Hate  of  Hate  31 

And  I:  "Though  come,  I  stay  not  in  the  deep: 

But  who  art  thou  who  art  grown  filthy  so?"  tf^L^!:  \ 

And  he:  "Thou  seest  that  I  am  one  who  weep."         vnih  silver  \ 
Then  I  to  him :  "With  weeping  and  with  woe 

Accursed  spirit,  tarry  here  for  aye: 

For  thee,  all  filthy  as  thou  art,  I  know." —  / 

Then  stretcht  he  forth  both  hands,  the  boat  to  stay:  \ 

But  him  my  wary  Master  from  us  pressed,  ' 

Crying:  "Away,  with  the  other  dogs,  away!" 

Then  said:  "Indignant  soul!"  as  he  caressed  j 

My  bosom  with  embrace,  my  cheek  with  kiss,  ] 

"Blessed  be  she  that  bore  thee  'neath  her  breast!  • 

A  person  arrogant  on  earth  was  this;  [ 

His  memory  is  graced  with  nothing  kind:  \ 

So  likewise  here  his  shade  in  fury  is.  I 

Up  there  how  many  who  are  in  their  mind  j 

Great  kings,  shall  wallow  here  in  mire  like  swine,  | 

Leaving  a  horrible  report  behind." 

"Much  should  I  Hke,"  said  I,  "O  Master  mine,  j 

To  see  him  in  this  hellbroth  dipt  and  dyed,  j 

Before  we  issue  from  the  marsh  malign."  j 

And  he  to  me:  "Thou  shalt  be  satisfied  ^ 

Ere  comes  the  shore  to  view;  it  is  not  fit 

That  such  desire  of  thine  should  be  denied."  ' 

Short  while  thereafter  I  beheld  him  smit  ; 

By  that  bespattered  folk  with  stroke  so  fell  ; 

That  still  I  praise  and  thank  my  God  for  it.  j 
"At  Philip  Argenti!  at  him!"  all  did  yell: 

That  spirit  Florentine  exasperate  j 

Turned  on  his  very  self  with  tooth  and  nail.  j 

We  left  him  there,  nor  more  do  I  narrate:  \ 

But  lamentation  smote  mine  ears  upon. 

Whence  I  look  forward  with  mine  eyes  dilate. 

And  the  good  Master  said:  "Now,  O  my  son,  I 

The  city  named  of  Dis  is  nigh  at  hand,  s 

With  heavy  citizens,  great  garrison."  i 


32 


Inferno 


The  reference  to 
the  mosques  in 
the  Capital  of 
the  Infernal 
Empire  is  in 
harmony  with 
the  elaborate 
poetical  parol- 
lelism  between 
Heaven  and 
Hell,  the  things 
of  God  and  those 
of  Lucifer, 
which  is  one  of 
the  features  of 
Dante's  art.    To 
the  mind  of  the 
medieval  Chris- 
tian the  mosque 
is  the  temple  of  a 
wicked  heresy. 
Thus  Hell  has 
"cloisters'';  the 
members  of  the 
"college''  of  the 
hypocrites  wear 
"cowls";  Dante 
goes  so  far  as  to 
parody  one  of 
the  Latin  hymns 
of  the  Church  to 
emphasize  the 
contrast  between 
Christ  and 
Satan     (begin- 
ning of  Canto 
xxxiv) 


And  I:  "Already  in  the  valley  stand 

Its  mosques,  O  Master,  and  to  me  they  show 
Vermilion,  as  if  issuing  from  the  brand." 

And  he  made  answer:  "The  eternal  glow 

Of  inward  flame  kindles  that  ruddy  glare. 
As  thou  perceivest  in  this  Hell  below." 

Then  came  we  into  the  deep  fosses,  where 

They  compass  round  that  town  disconsolate : 
The  walls  appeared  to  me  of  iron  there. 

Not  without  making  first  a  circuit  great. 

We  came  unto  a  place  where  loudly  cried 
The  boatman:  "Get  ye  out,  here  is  the  gate." 

I  saw  above  the  portals  and  beside. 

Thousands  rained  down  from  Heaven,  who  wrath- 
ful said: 
"Who  is  this  man  that,  never  having  died, 

Is  going  through  the  kingdom  of  the  dead.?" 

And  my  sage  Master  signaled  he  would  fain 
Talk  with  them  privately. — Thus  they  were  led 

A  little  to  abate  their  great  disdain. 

And  cried:  "Come  thou  alone;  let  him  go  back 
Who  has  made  bold  to  enter  this  domain. 

Alone  shall  he  retrace  his  reckless  track: 

Let  him  attempt  it;  for  thou  here  shalt  stay 
Who  hast  revealed  to  him  a  land  so  black." 

Imagine,  Reader,  w^hat  was  my  dismay 

At  hearing  that  accursed  language:  for 
I  felt  that  I  could  never  find  the  way. 

"O  my  beloved  Leader,  thou  who  more 

Than  seven  times  hast  made  me  safe,  and  hast 
Rescued  from  peril  deep,"  did  I  implore, 

"Do  not  forsake  me  thus  undone  at  last; 
And  if  the  going  farther  be  denied. 
Let  us  retrace  our  steps  together  fast." 

And  that  Lord  who  had  thither  been  my  Guide, 
Answered:  "Fear  nothing,  for  the  way  we  go 
By  Such  is  given,  none  turneth  us  aside. 


Repulse  of  Virgil 


33 


Wait  here,  and  let  thy  soul,  forwearied  so. 
Be  fed  with  better  hope  and  comforted: 
I  will  not  leave  thee  in  the  world  below/* 

And  thus  the  gentle  Father  forth  is  sped. 

There  leaving  me  who  in  conjecture  dwell; 
For  Yes  and  No  contend  within  my  head. 

What  he  proposed  to  them  I  could  not  tell; 

But  long  he  had  not  tarried  with  them,  when 
Back  inwards  all  went  scurrying  pell-mell. 

The  gates  they  shut,  those  enemies  of  men, 

On  my  Lord's  bosom,  who,  excluded  thence, 
With  tardy  steps  returned  to  me  again. 

His  eyes  were  on  the  ground,  of  confidence 

His  forehead  shorn,  and  amid  sighs  he  spake: 
"Who  has  denied  me  the  grim  tenements?" 

And  then  to  me :  "What  though  my  wrath  awake. 
Be  not  dismayed,  for  I  shall  find  the  way. 
Whatever  obstacle  within  they  make. 

This  insolence  is  nothing  new,  for  they 

Displayed  it  at  less  hidden  gate  of  yore. 
Which  stands  unbolted  to  this  very  day. 

Thou  sawest  the  deadly  writ  above  the  door; 
And  now  descends  the  steep  upon  this  side, 
Passing  without  a  guide  the  circles  o'er. 

One  who  shall  fling  the  city  open  wide." 


VirgiTs  repulse 
here  seems  to 
shadow  forth  a 
spiritual  crisis 
so  terrible  that 
the  noblest  hu- 
man reason  is 
unavailing. 
There  are  dread- 
ful gates  where 
the  wisest  can 
only  cast  his 
eyes  to  the 
ground.     In  Uie 
middle  of  the 
next  Canio  the 
Poet  emphasizes 
the  importance 
of  the  allegory 
in  this  crudal 
passage 


34  Inferno 

IX 

Sixth  Circle:  The  Furies  and  the  Angel  ; 

1 

The  cowardice  that  blancht  my  outward  hue  \ 

On  seeing  my  Conductor  back  repair,  | 

The  sooner  checkt  in  him  his  color  new.  \ 

As  Ustening,  he  stopt  attentive  there. 

Because  the  vision  not  far  forth  could  roam  ] 

Through  the  thick  murk  and  through  the  darkling        j 

air.  ] 

"Yet  we  must  gain  perforce  the  masterdom,'^  \ 

Beganhe:"Nay  but  .  .  .  so  great  help  was  sent .  .  . 
Oh,  long  it  seems  until  that  Other  come!" — 

I  plainly  saw  how  what  at  first  he  meant,  ; 

He  sought  with  after  thoughts  to  cancel  through  i 

In  phrases  from  the  former  different.  j 

But  still  his  language  roused  my  fear  anew,  *; 

For  in  the  broken  phrase  I  traced  a  scope  , 

Perchance  more  harmful  than  he  had  in  view.  j 

"Into  this  hollow,  down  the  dismal  slope  ^ 

Comes  ever  any  one  from  the  first  grade  ] 

Whose  only  punishment  is  crippled  hope?^  ; 

So  questioned  I;  and  this  reply  he  made:  { 

"Rarely  does  any  out  of  our  abode 
Journey,  as  I  am  doing,  to  this  glade.  j 

Once  previously,  indeed,  I  took  this  road  ; 

Conjured  by  that  Erichtho  void  of  grace  ^ 

Who  erst  their  bodies  to  the  shades  bestowed. 

My  flesh  was  bare  of  me  but  little  space. 

When  she  compelled  me  enter  yonder  mure. 

To  draw  a  spirit  forth  from  Judas'  place.  \ 

That  is  the  lowest  round,  and  most  obscure,  | 

And  farthest  from  the  all-circhng  Heaven :  the  path        i 
I  know  full  well:  therefore  be  thou  secure.  | 

This  marish,  breathing  forth  the  fetid  scath,  j 

Begirds  the  woeful  city  of  the  dead,  ] 

Where  now  we  cannot  enter  without  wrath.*'  ''\ 


Coming  of  the  Angel 


35 


I  bear  not  now  in  mind  what  more  he  said. 
Because  so  fast  were  riveted  mine  eyes 
To  that  high  tower  with  summit  glowing  red. 

Where  on  a  sudden  up  erect  arise 

Infernal  Furies  three  of  bloody  dye. 

Who  have  the  limbs  of  women  and  their  guise; 

Bright  green  the  hydras  they  are  girded  by; 
Little  horned  serpents  pleated  in  a  braid 
Like  tresses  round  their  cruel  temples  lie. 

And  recognizing  every  cruel  maid 

Of  her,  the  Queen  of  everlasting  woe, 
"Behold,*'  he  bade  me,  "the  Erinyes  dread. 

This  is  Megaera  on  the  left,  and  lo ! 

Alecto  weeping  yonder  on  the  right; 
Tisiphone  is  between,"  he  ended  so. 

Each  with  her  talons  rips  her  breast;  they  smite 
Upon  themselves  with  palms,  so  loudly  wailing 
That  close  I  press  the  Poet  in  affright. 

'^Medusa  come,  with  stone  his  body  scaling,'' 
All  shouted  looking  downward;  "to  our  bane 
Avenged  we  not  on  Theseus  his  assailing." 

"Turn  round,  and  let  thine  eyes  close  shut  remain: 
For  should  the  Gorgon  come,  and  shouldst  thou  se 
There  would  be  no  returning  up  again." 

Thus  said  the  Master;  and  thereafter  he 

Turned  me,  nor  trusted  to  my  hands  alone. 
But  also  with  his  own  blindfolded  me. 

0  ye  who  hold  sane  intellect  your  own. 
Consider  heedfully  the  hidden  lore 
Whereon  the  veil  of  the  strange  verse  is  thrown! 

And  now  there  came  the  troubled  waters  o'er 
A  crashing  clangor  of  a  fearful  kind, 
Whereat  were  trembling  yon  and  hither  shore: 

Not  otherwise  it  was  than  when  the  wind, 

By  dint  of  adverse  heats  grown  wild  and  high. 
Tosses  the  forest  boughs,  and  unconfined 


It  seems  to  be 
agreed  that  the 
Furies  represent 
pangs  of  con- 
science.   Bid 
what  is  the  Gor 
gon?  Some  say. 
Doubt,  which 
turns  the  heart  to 
stone;  others 
make  it  an  em- 
blem of  the  hard 
ening  effect  of 
Despair.     The 
modem  psycho- 
analyst might 
term  it  the 
Medusa-com- 
plex, and  bring 
about  the  open- 
ing of  the  gate 
toithout  the  in- 
tervention of  the 
Messenger  of 
Heaven.  But  his 
comirvg  is  one  of 
the  high  points 
of  the  Poem 


36                                  Inferno  5 

Shatters,  and  dashes  down,  and  sweeps  them  by:  J 

Superbly  whirls  along  in  dust  and  gloom,  \ 

Making  the  wild  beasts  and  the  shepherds  fly.  \ 

He  loosed  mine  eyes:  "Across  that  ancient  foam 
Be  now  the  nerve  of  sight  directed  yond,'^ 
He  bade  me,  "where  most  pungent  is  the  fume." 

As  frogs  before  their  serpent-foe  abscond,  1 

All  slipping  through  the  water  in  retreat  ; 

Till  squatted  on  the  bottom  of  the  pond,  \ 

So  saw  I  thousands  of  lost  spirits  fleet  \ 

Away  before  a  Certain  One  who  plied  j 
Over  the  Stygian  ford  with  unwet  feet. 

He  often  fanned  that  fetid  air  aside. 

By  waving  the  left  hand  before  his  face,  \ 
And  only  with  that  trouble  seemed  annoyed. 

Well  I  perceived  him  sent  from  Heavenly  place,  ; 

And  turned  me  to  the  Master,  who  made  sign  1 

That  I  stand  quiet  and  my  knees  abase.  \ 

Ah,  how  he  seemed  replete  with  scorn  condign !  \ 

When  with  a  little  wand  he  touched  the  gate  j 

It  opened, — ^nor  came  any  to  confine.  j 

"O  abject  race,  from  Heaven  how  alienate'." 

Began  he,  standing  on  the  horrible  sill,  \ 

"How  harbor  ye  this  insolence  so  great?  j 

Wherefore  recalcitrate  against  that  Will  ] 
Which  from  its  purpose  never  can  be  shut. 

And  which  has  many  a  time  increased  your  ill?  \ 

What  profits  it  against  the  Fates  to  butt?  i 

For  this  your  Cerberus,  as  well  ye  ween,  j 

Is  going  yet  with  chin  and  gullet  cut."  \ 

Then  he  turned  back  along  the  way  obscene  | 

Speaking  no  word  to  us,  but  did  advance  \ 
Like  one  constrained  and  urged  by  care  more  keen 

Than  that  of  him  soliciting  his  glance.  ■ 

And  we  went  forward  to  the  City  of  Dis,  \ 

Secure  after  the  holy  ordinance.  i 


Burning  Tombs  of  Heretics 


37 


We  entered  without  arms  or  armistice: 
And  I,  because  I  had  desire  to  know 
The  state  of  them  lockt  in  such  jail  as  this. 

Being  within,  cast  round  mine  eye;  and  lo! 

On  either  hand  a  spacious  plain  was  shown 
Replete  with  cruel  torment  and  with  woe. 

Even  as  at  Aries,  where  ponds  the  river  Rhone, 
Even  as  at  Pola  near  Quarnaro  Bay 
Which  bathes  Italians  limitary  zone, 

Sepulchers  strew  the  ground  in  rough  array: 
Here  upon  every  hand  it  was  the  same. 
Except  that  here  more  bitter  was  the  way: 

For  scattered  in  among  the  tombs  was  flame. 
Whereby  such  utter  heat  in  them  arose 
That  never  craft  can  more  from  iron  claim. 

Their  lids  were  lifted  all,  and  out  of  those 
Were  issuing  such  dire  lamenting  cries. 
As  told  of  wretched  ones  and  full  of  woes. 

"Master,'^  said  I,  "what  people  on  this  wise 

Finding  within  these  burial-chests  their  bed. 
Make  themselves  audible  with  woeful  sighs?" 

"Here  the  arch-heretics,"  to  me  he  said, 

"With  followers  of  every  sect  are  pent: 

More  than  thou  thinkst  the  tombs  are  tenanted. 

Like  unto  like  are  here  in  burial  blent. 

And  heated  more  and  less  the  monuments." 
Then,  when  he  to  the  right  had  turned,  we  went 

Between  the  tortures  and  high  battlements. 


At  Aries  the 
Rhone  no  longer 
'^ponds"  al- 
though its  tend- 
ency to  do  so 
is  manifest  in 
La  Camargue,  a 
little  behw.     A 
few  relics  of  the 
ancient  ceme- 
tery are  still  to 
be  seen  there. 
But  in  the  Great 
War  Italy  has 
finally  regained 
its  boundary  on 
the  Gvlf  of 
Quarnaro,  be- 
yond Pola 


38 


Inferno 


Dante  exhibits 
the  great  here- 
tics, as  he  does 
the  virtnmis  pa- 
gans, with  frank 
admiraiion.  The 
lofty  figure  of 
Farinata  is  jxjr- 
trayed  vnth  the 
same  sympathy, 
not  to  say  par- 
tiality, vyvth 
which  Milton 
draws  his  im- 
posing Satan. 
The  poet's  atti- 
tude is  mu£h  the 
same  in  the  case 
of  Ulysses  {Can- 
to xxvi) 


Sixth  Circle;  Farinata  of  the  Uberti 

My  Master  now  along  a  hidden  track 

Between  the  city  rampart  and  the  fires. 
Goes  forward,  and  I  follow  at  his  back. 

"O  Virtue  high,  that  through  these  impious  gyres 
Dost  wheel  me  at  thy  pleasure,"  began  I, 
"Speak  to  me, — give  content  to  my  desires. 

The  people  in  the  sepulchers  that  lie. 

Might  they  be  seen?  With  lifted  covers  burn 
They  ever,  and  no  one  keeps  guard  thereby." 

"All  will  be  shut  within,  when  they  return 
Back  from  Jehosaphat,"  thereat  he  said, 
"Bringing  their  bodies  from  the  burial  urn. 

Herein  with  Epiciu-us  have  their  bed 

His  followers  one  and  all,  who  represent 
The  spirit  with  the  body  to  be  dead. 

But  soon  shalt  thou  within  here  have  content 

As  to  the  question  which  thou  hast  proposed, 
And  to  the  wish  whereof  thou'rt  reticent." 

And  I :  "Good  Leader,  I  do  not  keep  closed 

My  heart  from  thee,  except  that  words  be  few: 
Nor  hast  thou  me  now  first  thereto  disposed." 

"O  Tuscan,  thou  who  goest  living  through 
The  city  of  fire,  speaking  becomingly. 
May  it  please  thee  stay  thy  steps  in  this  purlieu ! 

The  fashion  of  thy  speech  proclaimeth  thee 
A  native  of  that  land  of  noble  pride 
Which  haply  suffered  too  much  harm  from  me." 

Suddenly  in  such  accents  some  one  cried 

From  out  one  of  the  coffers;  startled  now, 
I  drew  a  little  closer  to  my  Guide. 

Whereat  he  said:  "Turn  round;  what  doest  thou?" 
"Lo!  Farinata,  standing  at  full  height: 
And  thou  canst  see  him  all  from  belt  to  brow." 


Tlie  Dauntless  Gkibelline  Chief 


39 


Upon  his  countenance  I  fixt  my  sight; 

And  he  was  hfting  up  his  brow  and  breast. 
As  looking  upon  Hell  with  great  despite. 

My  Leader  pusht  me  to  his  burial-chest 

Among  the  tombs  with  bold  and  ready  hand, 
"Be  chary  of  thy  words!"  was  his  behest. 

When  at  the  bottom  of  his  tomb  I  stand. 

Awhile  he  eyes  me;  then,  with  some  disdain, 
Inquires:  "Who  were  thy  fathers  in  the  land.^" 

And  I,  to  be  compliant  wholly  fain. 

Conceal  it  not,  revealing  to  him  all. 

He  sUghtly  lifts  his  brow,  then  speaks  again : 

"Fiercely  to  mine  were  they  inimical. 

To  me,  and  to  the  cause  I  had  at  heart. 

And  therefore  twice  I  scattered  them  withal." 

"Though  banisht,  they  came  back  from  every  part," 
I  answered  him,  "both  once  and  yet  anew; 
But  yours  have  never  rightly  learnt  that  art." 

Then,  alongside  of  him,  arose  to  view 

A  shade  uncovered  to  the  chin;  and  bent 
Upon  the  knees,  I  think  it  upward  drew. 

It  peered  all  round  about  me,  as  intent 

To  look  for  some  one  who  escaped  its  ken; 
But  when  expectancy  was  wholly  spent. 

Weeping  it  said:  "If  through  this  sunless  den. 
Thou  goest  because  of  lofty  genius, 
Where  is  my  son,  and  why  not  with  thee  then.^*" 

"Of  mine  own  self,"  said  I,  "I  come  not  thus: 

He,  waiting  yonder,  leads,  of  whom  perchance 
Your  Guido  held  regard  contemptuous." 

His  words,  and  of  his  pain  the  circumstance. 
Had  told  his  name  already:  otherwise 
My  answer  would  have  had  less  relevance. 

Suddenly  starting  up  erect,  he  cries: 

"How  sayst  thou,  held? — ^And  does  he  live  no  more.^ 
Does  the  sweet  Hght  not  fall  upon  his  eyes.''" 


The  personage 
by  the  side  of 
Farinata  is  Hie 
father  of  Guido 
Cavalcanti.  Gui- 
do, who  was 
Dante's  intimate 
friend,  seems  to 
have  belonged 
to  that  Floren- 
tine type  of  the 
lofty-minded, 
cultivated,  able, 
somewhat  skep- 
tical Patrician, 
of  which  Lorenzo 
U  Magnifico  is 
the  most  con- 
spicuous exam- 
ple.  The  broken 
spirit  of  the  elder 
Cavalcardi  here 
sets  the  superb 
figure  of  Fari- 
nata in  relief 


40 


Inferno 


The  bloody  bat- 
tle of  Monta- 
perti,  near 
Siena,  in  1260, 
where  ike  Flor- 
entine Guelfs 
were  utterly  put 
to  rout  by  the 
Sienese  and  the 
Florentine  Ghib- 
eUines  under 
the  leadership  of 
Farinata 


Then  he,  aware  of  some  delay  before 
My  answer  I  returned,  incontinent 
Fell  back  again,  and  stood  forth  nevermore. 

But  that  great-hearted  one  for  whose  content 
I  had  remained,  no  change  of  aspect  made. 
Neither  his  neck  he  moved  nor  flank  he  bent. 

"And  if, — "  resuming  what  before  he  said, 

"They  ill  have  learnt  that  art, — if  this  be  so 
It  more  torments  me  than  this  fiery  bed. 

But  fifty  times  shall  not  rekindled  show 
The  visage  of  the  Lady  reigning  here. 
Ere  thou  the  hardness  of  that  art  shalt  know. 

And  so  the  world  may  sweet  to  thee  appear. 
Say  why  the  statute  of  that  people  runs 
So  pitiless  against  my  kindred  dear?" 

"The  havoc  and  the  massacre  that  once 

Stained,"  I  replied,  "the  Arbia-water  red. 
Are  causing  in  our  fane  such  orisons." 

And  sighing  thereupon,  he  shook  his  head: 
"Not  I  alone  in  that,  and  in  no  case 
Should  causeless  with  the  rest  have  moved,"  he  said: 

"But  I  it  was,  when  in  that  other  place 

To  wipe  out  Florence  one  and  all  agreed. 
Alone  defended  her  with  open  face." 

"Ah!  so  may  ever  rest  in  peace  your  seed," 

Entreated  I,  "pray  loose  that  knot  for  me, 
Which  doth  my  judgment  at  this  point  impede. 

It  seems  that  ye  prophetically  see 

What  time  brings  with  it,  if  I  hear  aright. 
And  as  to  present  things  act  differently." 

"We  see,  like  him  who  has  imperfect  sight. 

The  things,"  said  he,  "that  are  remote  from  view. 
So  much  still  shines  for  us  the  Sovran  Light: 

When  they  draw  nigh,  or  are,  quite  canceled  through 
Our  vision  is;  if  others  bring  it  not. 
Unto  your  human  state  we  have  no  clew. 


The  Poet  Disturbed  hy  Forebodings 


41 


Whence  thou  canst  comprehend  that  blotted  out 

Will  be  our  knowledge,  from  that  moment  when 
The  portal  of  the  future  shall  be  shut." 

As  conscious  of  my  fault,  I  said:  "Now,  then, 
I  wish  that  you  would  tell  that  fallen  one 
His  son  is  still  conjoined  with  living  men. 

And  if  just  now  I  rendered  answer  none. 

Tell  him  it  was  because  my  thoughts  were  tied 
Still  by  that  error  which  you  have  undone." 

Already  was  recalling  me  my  Guide: 

Wherefore  more  hurriedly  did  I  request 
That  spirit  tell  who  else  therein  abide. 

"With  thousands  here,"  he  said  to  me,  "I  nest: 
The  Second  Frederick  herein  is  pent. 
And  the  Cardinal:   I  speak  not  of  the  rest." 

He  hid  himself;  and  thereupon  I  went 
Toward  the  ancient  Poet,  pondering 
That  word  which  seemed  to  me  maleficent. 

He  moved  along,  and  then,  thus  journeying. 

Inquired  of  me,  "Why  art  thou  so  bestirred?" 
Whereat  I  satisfied  his  questioning. 

"Let  memory  preserve  what  thou  hast  heard 
Against  thyself,"  that  Sage  adjured  me  so. 
Lifting  his  finger; — ^'^and  now  mark  my  word! 

When  thou  shalt  standing  be  in  the  sweet  glow 
Of  her  whose  beauteous  eye  on  all  is  bent. 
From  her  the  journey  of  thy  life  shalt  know." 

Then  turned  he  leftward:  from  the  wall  we  went. 
Striking  across  toward  the  middle  by 
A  pathway  leading  to  a  pit  that  sent 

Its  loathsome  stench  ascending  even  so  high. 


The  Emperor, 
oj  whom  Dante 
often  speaks  and 
whom  he  ad- 
mired greatly; 
and  the  Cardinal 
Ottaviano  of  the 
Ubaldiniy  who 
said  when  ahotU 
to  die:  ''If  there 
be  a  soul,  I  have 
lost  mine  a 
thousand  times 
for  the  Ghibd- 
linesP   He  had 
looked  at  the 
Gorgon! 


4%                                 Inferno  ' 

XI  ^ 

Classes  of  Sins  and  Distribution  of  the 
Damned 

Upon  an  eminence  with  margin  steep,  ] 

Formed  by  rock-masses  in  a  circle  rent,  j 

We  came  above  a  still  more  cruel  deep.  j 

And  here,  by  reason  of  the  horrible  scent  ; 
That  was  belched  forth  from  the  profound  abyss. 

Behind  the  lid  of  a  great  monument  i 

We  stood  aside,  and  saw  inscribed  on  this:  J 

"I  hold  within  Pope  Anastasius  " 
He  whom  Photinus  led  to  go  amiss/* — 

"We  must  delay  our  going  down,  that  thus  ' 

A  little  more  familiar  to  the  sense,  i 

The  dismal  blast  no  longer  trouble  us."  ' 

The  Master  thus;  and  I:  "Some  recompense  I 
Do  thou  devise  to  balance  this  delay. 

Lest  time  be  lost." — ^^My  very  thought !"  he  assents.  | 

"My  son,  within  these  rocks,"  began  he  say,  ! 

"From  grade  to  grade  three  lesser  circles  wind,  ' 

Like  those  above  from  which  we  come  away.  i 

All  swarm  with  cursed  souls  of  humankind: 

But  that  the  sight  alone  suffice  from  hence,  ^ 

Learn  how  and  wherefore  they  are  thus  confined.  \ 

Of  every  malice  that  gives  Heaven  offense, 

Injury  is  the  aim;  such  aim  again  | 

Grieves  others  or  by  Fraud  or  Violence.  ^ 

But  because  Fraud  is  man's  f>eculiar  bane,  \ 

God  loathes  it  more;  and  so  the  fraudulent  ^ 

Are  placed  beneath,  assailed  with  greater  pain.  ' 

The  whole  First  Circle  is  for  the  violent: 

But  since  to  persons  threefold  force  is  done,  1 
In  triple  rounds  it  has  apportionment. 

To  God,  to  neighbor,  and  to  self,  can  one  ] 

Do  violence:   I  say,  their  property  \ 

And  them, — as  thou  shalt  hear  made  clearly  known .  ; 

i 

i 


Sins  of  Fraud  Most  Heinous 


43 


By  violence,  death  and  grievous  wounds  may  be 
Dealt  to  one's  neighbor;  to  his  goods  and  rights 
Injury,  arson,  and  rapacity: 

Whence  homicides  and  each  who  wrongly  smites. 
Marauders  and  freebooters,  all  their  train 
The  foremost  rondure  plagues  in  various  plights. 

A  man  may  lay  a  violent  hand  again 

On  self  and  on  his  goods:  wherefore  below 
In  the  second  rondure  must  repent  in  vain 

Whoso  deprives  him  of  your  world,  whoso 
Gambles  and  dissipates  his  affluence. 
And  comes  to  grief  where  he  should  jocund  go. 

The  Deity  may  suffer  violence 

With  heart's  denial  and  with  blasphemies. 
Which  Nature  scorn,  and  His  beneficence: 

And  hence  the  smallest  rondure  signet- wise 

Stamps  Sodom  and  Cahors,  and  all  of  those 
Who,  speaking  from  the  heart,  their  God  despise. 

That  Fraud  whose  gnawing  every  conscience  knows, 
A  man  may  use  on  others  who  confide. 
Or  on  them  who  no  confidence  repose. 

This  latter  method  seems  but  to  divide 
The  link  of  love  that  in  our  nature  is: 
Whence  in  the  Second  Circle  there  reside 

Wizards,  hypocrisy,  and  flatteries. 

Cheating,  and  simony,  and  thievishness. 
Panders,  and  the  like  filth,  and  barratries. 

In  the  other  mode  there  lies  forgetfulness 

Of  love  which  nature  makes,  and  furthermore 
Of  what  begets  especial  trustfulness : 

Whence  in  the  Smallest  Circle,  at  the  core 
Of  the  whole  universe,  and  seat  of  Dis, 
Whoso  betrays  is  wasted  evermore.'* 

"Master,  thy  reasoning  of  the  abyss 

Runs  clear,"  said  I,  "defining  what  belongs 
To  place,  and  to  the  folk  possessing  this. 


Cahors,  in 
South  Central 
France,  was  a 
noted  seat  of 
Usury.    The 
aitittule  of 
Dante  toward 
Usury  is  the  re- 
sult of  a  'preju- 
dice which  is 
traceable  back  to 
Aristotle  and 
which  'propa- 
gated itself  until 
the  middle  of  the 
eighteenth  cen- 
tury, when  Tur- 
got  gave  it  the 
"coup  de  grdceP 
Dante,  indeed, 
failed  to  read 
correctly  some  of 
the  economic 
signs  of  his  own 
time 


44 


Inferno 


The  classificor 
Hon  of  sins  is 
dear.    The  sig- 
nificance of  the 
quite  different 
classification  in 
Purgatorio   vnU 
be  jmnted  out  in 
a  note  to  Purg. 


But  tell  me :  of  the  fat  lagoon  the  throngs, 

Those  the  rain  beats  upon,  those  tempest-led. 
Those  who  encounter  with  such  bitter  tongues, 

Wherefore  are  they  within  the  City  red 

Not  punisht,  if  the  wrath  of  God  they  bide? 
If  otherwise,  then  wherefore  so  bestead  ?'' 

"Why  wandereth  thine  intellect  so  wide 

Beyond  the  wonted  mark?"  he  said,  "or  what 
Hath  thine  attention  elsewhere  occupied? 

Hast  thou  the  tenor  of  those  words  forgot 

Wherewith  thine  Ethics  thoroughly  explain 
The  vices  three  that  Heaven  endureth  not, — 

Incontinence,  and  malice,  and  insane 
Bestiality?  and  how  incontinence 
Less  angers  God,  and  less  doth  censure  gain? 

If  thou  consider  well  this  evidence. 

And  what  they  are  recall  to  memory. 
Who  up  outside  are  bearing  punishments. 

Thou  wilt  discern  why  they  divided  be 

From  all  these  felons,  why  God*s  hammers  smite 
Upon  them  somewhat  less  avengingly." 

''O  Sun!  thou  healer  of  all  troubled  sight, 

So  gladdens  me  thy  bringing  truth  to  view. 
That  doubt  no  less  than  knowledge  is  delight. 

Yet  turn  a  little  back,"  said  I,  "pursue 
Thy  argument  that  usury  offends 
Divine  beneficence, — that  knot  undo." 

''Philosophy,"  said  he,  "if  one  attends. 

Not  merely  in  one  passage  has  defined 
How  Nature  in  her  origin  descends 

From  art  Divine,  and  from  the  Master  Mind; 
And  if  unto  thy  Physics  thou  refer. 
After  not  many  pages  wilt  thou  find 

That  your  art,  as  it  can,  pursueth  her. 
As  the  disciple  doth  the  master;  so 
That  your  art  is  Grod's  grandchild,  as  it  were. 


Usury  neither  of  Nature  nor  of  Art  45 


To  these  twain,  if  thy  memory  backward  go 
To  Genesis  where  it  begins,  perforce 
Must  men  their  life  and  their  advantage  owe. 

Since  usurers  adopt  another  course. 

They  Nature  and  her  follower  disdain. 

Because  they  draw  their  hope  from  other  source. 

But  follow,  for  the  journey  am  I  fain: 

The  Fishes  on  the  horizon  writhe  by  this. 
While  wholly  over  Caurus  lies  the  Wain, 

And  yonder  far  descends  the  precipice." 


This  is  an  elab- 
orate way  of 
saying  that  it  is 
an  fumr  or  ttco 
before  sunrise. 
The  Fishes  are 
on  the  morning 
horizon,  the  Ram 
{with  the  sun) 
just  below  it,  the 
Wain  (Septen- 
trion/'Dipper'^ 
is  wUh  the  North- 
west wind  (Cau- 
rus) 


46                                 Inferno  | 

XII 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  1.  Those  Violent  ■ 

AGAINST  Neighbors  \ 

The  place  we  came  to  that  we  might  descend  | 

Was  alpine,  what  beside  was  on  that  bank  ' 

Was  such  that  it  would  every  eye  offend.  | 

Such  as  that  rock-fall  which  upon  the  flank  -\ 

Struck  on  the  Adige,  this  side  of  Trent,  ' 
Whether  by  earthquake  or  support  that  sank; 

For,  from  the  summit  whence  the  ruin  went,  1 

Down  to  the  plain,  the  cliff  has  fallen  between,  i 

So  from  above  there  might  be  some  descent;  ' 

The  Minotaur,    Such  was  the  causeway  into  that  ravine;  • 

symbol  oj  vio-             ^^  ^^  |.j^e  border  of  the  rugged  brow  i 

lence,  the  more               m       •    •              •  >-i  * 

bestial  for  being          The  mfamy  of  Crete  was  prostrate  seen,  j 

half  human.  The  rpj^^^.  ^^g  conceived  in  the  fictitious  cow: 

symbdic  union                              u  •         ir       i.                               i,     i   •  j  i 

of  Padphae  and          He  bit  himself,  when  eyes  on  us  he  laid,  i 
the  bvU  w  twice          Subdued  within  by  anger.    "Haply  thou," 

rejerrea  to  m  it-i««i 

Purg.  xxvi.         My  Master  sage  toward  him  shouting  said. 

The  Minotaur            "Believest  here  the  Duke  of  Athens,  who  ) 

IS  the  fit  guar-                       .                      ,i-                               ^      ^         ^       ^^  *< 

dian  of  the  en-  Up  in  the  world  of  mortals  struck  thee  dead? 

trance  to  thu  re-  Monster,  begone !  for  guided  by  no  clew 

gtonoflleU,  ,>,.  ,         ,         .  ,  .  11 

where  sins  of              Given  by  thy  sister,  comes  this  man  below,  \ 

T^^t^^t  "^                -^^^  passes  by,  your  punishments  to  view."  j 

punished.           Just  as  the  bull  that  feels  the  deadly  blow,  I 

D^kTof'^lSs          Breaks  from  his  halter,  and  not  very  far  ,^ 
also  by  Shake-            Can  move,  but  merely  plunges  to  and  fro: 

So  doing  I  beheld  the  Minotaur.  \ 
"Run,"  cried  my  Master,  who  the  passage  showed, 

"While  he  is  raging,  hasten  down  the  scar."  ^ 

Thus  downward  we,  our  way  pursuing,  trode  I 

That  dump  of  stones,  which  often  as  I  went  j 

Moved  'neath  my  feet,  so  novel  was  the  load.  1 

I  musing  passed.  And  he:  "Thou  art  intent  ^ 

Perhaps  upon  this  ruin,  sentineled  ] 

By  that  brute  wrath,  now  rendered  impotent.  ] 

i 


TheJUver  of  Hot  Blood  47 

Now  I  would  have  thee  know,  that  when  I  held 

My  first  course  hither  to  the  deep  abyss, 

This  mass  of  rock  had  not  as  yet  been  felled. 
But  certainly,  discern  I  not  amiss, 

A  little  ere  He  came  who  mighty  prey 

From  the  upper  circle  levied  upon  Dis, 
The  deep  and  loathsome  valley  every  way  He  who  said  so 

So  trembled,  that  the  Universe,  I  thought,  ^^    Iposs^ly 

Was  thrilled  with  love,  whereby  there  are  who  say  DarUe  means  to 

rnj  11  j'ii  -I  li^'  hint  that  love  in 

The  world  was  many  a  time  to  chaos  brought^  g^n  ,^j^^i^  j^ 

And  in  that  moment,  here  and  elsewhere,  thus  locally  at  least. 

Upon  this  ancient  crag  was  ruin  wrought.  ,     auorgamzing 

But  fix  thine  eyes  below;  for  neareth  us  ^^ 

The  river  of  blood,  wherein  all  boiling  be 
Who  were  by  force  to  men  injurious." 

0  wicked,  blind,  and  mad  cupidity. 

That  in  our  brief  existence  spurs  us  so. 
And  in  the  eternal  steeps  so  bitterly! 

1  saw  a  wide  moat  curved  into  a  bow 

And  such  that  it  doth  all  the  plain  embrace. 

According  as  my  Guide  had  let  me  know. 
Between  it  and  the  precipice  did  race  The  Centaurs, 

Centaurs  in  file  with  arrows,  as  of  yore  ^^r%fbZt 

It  was  their  wont  on  earth  to  follow  chase.  and  half  human. 

Seeing  us  coming  down,  they  moved  no  more:  ^^^al 

And  three  detacht  themselves  from  out  the  row,       watchmen  here 

With  bows  and  with  long  arrows,  chosen  before. 
And  from  afar  one  shouted :  "To  what  woe 

Descending  thus  the  precipice  come  ye? 

Tell  it  from  thence;  if  not,  I  draw  the  bow." 
My  Master  answered:  "Our  reply  will  be 

To  Chiron  yonder  at  close  quarters  made: 

Thus  ever  rash  thy  will,  the  worse  for  thee!" 
"That  one  is  Nessus,"  nudging  me  he  said, 

"Who  died  because  of  Dejanira  fair, 

And  for  himself,  himself  his  vengeance  paid. 


48  Inferno 

And  gazing  on  his  breast  between  the  pair. 
Is  mighty  Chiron  who  Achilles  taught: 
Pholus  the  wrathful  is  the  other  there. 

By  thousands  go  they  round  the  fosse  about. 

Piercing  with  darts  whatever  soul  withdraw 
From  out  the  blood,  more  than  its  crime  allot." 

Nearing  those  fleet  wild  animals,  we  saw 

Chiron  take  up  a  shaft  and  with  the  notch 
He  ruffled  back  his  beard  behind  his  jaw. 

When  his  huge  mouth  he  had  uncovered,  "Watch! 
Are  ye  aware,''  thus  to  his  mates  he  said, 
"That  he  behind  moves  whatso'er  he  touch? 

Not  so  are  wont  the  footfalls  of  the  dead." 

And  my  good  Leader,  level  with  his  breast 
Where  the  two  natures  are  together  wed, 

Replied:  "Indeed  he  lives,  and  by  behest 
Alone  I  show  him  thus  the  dark  defile: 
Necessity,  not  choice,  imp>els  the  quest. 

From  singing  Alleluiah  paused  awhile 

One  who  commits  to  me  this  office  new; 
He  is  no  robber,  I  no  spirit  vile. 

But  by  that  Virtue  which  gives  motion  to 
My  feet  along  so  wild  a  thoroughfare. 
Give  us  for  escort  any  one  of  you, 

That  he  may  show  us  where  to  ford,  and  bear 
This  man  upon  his  back  across  the  tide: 
For  'tis  no  spirit  that  can  walk  the  air." 

"Turn  about,  Nessus,  so  to  be  their  guide," 

Said  Chiron,  round  upon  his  right  breast  bent: 
"If  other  troop  encounter,  warn  aside.'* 

Together  with  the  trusty  guide  we  went 
Along  the  boiling  of  the  crimson  flood. 
Wherein  the  boiled  were  making  loud  lament. 

I  saw  who  plunged  there  to  the  eyebrows  stood: 

"Once  these,"  the  Centaur  great  took  up  the  tale, 
"Were  tyrants  steept  in  pillage  and  in  blood. 


Ferocious  Tyrants  and  Outlaws 


49 


The  ruthless  wrongs  they  wrought  they  here  bewail: 
Here  Alexander,  fell  Dionysius  who 
Made  woeful  years  in  Sicily  prevail; 

And  yonder  brow  with  hair  so  black  of  hue 
Is  Ezzelin;  that  other,  fair  of  face, 
Obizzo  of  Este,  whom  his  bastard  slew 

Up  in  the  world,  to  truly  state  the  case.'^ — 
Then  turned  I  to  the  Poet,  and  he  said: 
"Give  him  the  first  and  me  the  second  place." 

A  little  farther  on  the  Centaur  led 

And  paused  above  a  folk  whose  evil  fate 

Plmiged  them  throat-high  within  that  boiling  red. 

He  showed  a  shade  alone  and  separate, 

Saying:  "That  spirit  cleft  within  God's  breast 
The  heart  that  still  by  Thames  they  venerate.'' 

Then  saw  I  people  who  with  head  and  chest 
Wholly  uplifted  from  the  river  stood; 
And  many  I  recognized  among  the  rest. 

Thus  evermore  grew  shallower  that  blood 
Until  it  only  cookt  the  feet:  and  lo! 
Here  was  our  passageway  across  the  flood. 

"Just  as  thou  seest  the  boiling  river  grow 

Still  lower  on  the  farther  side,  and  lower,'' 
The  Centaur  said,  "so  I  will  have  thee  know 

That  on  this  other,  with  a  circling  shore 

Its  bottom  sinks,  until  it  makes  its  way 
Where  tyranny  must  groan  forevermore. 

Justice  divine  here  goads  that  Attila 

Who  was  a  scourge  upon  the  earth,  and  stings 
Pyrrus  and  Sextus,  and  milks  forth  for  aye 

From  Rinier  of  Corneto  tears,  and  wrings 

Hot  tears  from  Rinier  Pazzo, — ^Riniers  twain 
Who  on  the  highways  wrought  such  plunderings." 

Back  then  he  turned  and  passed  the  ford  again. 


Of  the  violent 
here  the  two 
most  interesting 
to  us  are  Ezze- 
lino  da  Romano^ 
called  a  "fire- 
brand" by  his 
sister,  the  blessed 
Cunizza,  whom 
we  shall  meet  in 
the  Heaven  of 
Venus;  and  Guy 
de  Montfort,  who 
slew  in  church  at 
Viterbo  the 
young  English 
prince,  Henry  of 
Cornwall,  inno- 
cent victim  of 
vendetta 


50  Inferno  i 

XIII  { 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  2.  The  Suicidal  Wood  | 

i 

Not  yet  had  Nessus  gained  the  farther  side,  \ 
When  we  began  to  pass  a  forest  through. 

Wherein  not  any  path  could  be  descried.  i 

Not  green  the  foHage,  but  of  dusky  hue; 

Not  smooth  the  boughs,  but  gnarled  and  intricate;        ■ 

No  fruits  therein,  but  thorns  with  poison  grew.  ; 

Those  fierce  wild  animals  that  hold  in  hate  ! 

Tilled  lands  'tween  Cecina  and  Corneto,  no  ] 

Thickets  infest  so  dense  and  desolate.  J 

Hither  the  loathsome  Harpies  nesting  go. 

Who  drove  the  Trojans  from  the  Strophades, 

With  direful  prophecy  of  coming  woe.  | 

Broad  wings,  and  human  face  and  neck  have  these,  ; 

And  feet  with  claws,  huge  belly  feathered  all;  ! 
They  utter  rueful  cries  on  the  weird  trees. 

"Ere  yet,^'  the  Master  good  began  withal,  j 
"Thou  tread  the  Second  Round,  consider  well 
That  here  thou  shalt  employ  the  interval 

Until  thou  comest  to  the  sand-waste  fell.  ] 

So  look  aright,  and  there  shall  be  descried  j 

Things  thou  wouldst  not  believe,  if  I  should  tell.'*  \ 

Thereat  I  wailings  heard,  on  every  side. 

And  p)erson  who  might  utter  them  saw  not: 

Whence  stood  I  still,  completely  mystified.  > 

I  think  now  that  he  thought  perhaps  I  thought 

That  through  those  trunks  so  many  voices  came  i 

From  p>eople  who  from  us  concealment  sought.  j 

Wherefore  thus  said  the  Master:  "If  thou  maim  | 

Of  any  of  these  plants  one  little  spray,  i 
The  thoughts  thou  hast  will  all  be  rendered  lame."       ] 

Lifting  my  hand  a  little  then,  away  j 
A  branchlet  from  a  mighty  thorn  I  tore; 

Then  did  the  trunk  of  it,  lamenting,  say:  i 


Pier  delle  Vigne  51 

"Why  rendest  thou?"     Thereafter,  dark  with  gore. 

Began  again  to  cry:  "Why  mangle  me? 

Hast  thou  no  spirit  of  pity  then?    Of  yore 
Men  were  we,  and  each  now  is  turned  to  tree: 

Well  might  thy  hand  have  shown  itself  more  kind. 

Though  souls  of  veritable  serpents  we." 
As  out  of  a  green  brand,  which  burns  behind. 

And  from  the  other  side  the  drops  exude. 

The  while  it  sputters  with  the  escaping  wind: 
So  from  that  broken  sliver  words  and  blood 

Were  flowing  forth  together:  whence  I  let 

The  tip  fall  down,  and  like  one  frighted  stood. 
"O  wounded  soul!"  my  Sage  replied,  "if  yet 

Before  he  had  been  able  to  believe 

What  he  has  only  in  my  numbers  met. 
Thou  wouldst  not  this  oflFense  from  him  receive; 

The  wonder  of  the  thing  made  me  advise 

His  doing  that  whereat  myself  I  grieve. 
But  tell  him  who  thou  wast,  so  that  in  guise 

Of  some  amends,  he  yet  may  vindicate 

Thy  fame  on  earth,  where  he  again  shall  rise.^ 
The  trunk:  "Thy  honeyed  words  hold  out  such  bait, 

I  cannot  choose  but  speak;  then  let  it  be 

Not  burdensome  if  I  expatiate. 
I  am  that  one  who  held  the  double  key  The  shade  of 

Of  Frederick's  heart,  and,  tiu-ning  both  ways,  knew  chaLeUor  aj!d' 

To  lock  and  loose  with  such  suavity,  confidant  of  the 

His  confidence  from  others  I  withdrew:  ^^.erickTand 

To  that  high  trust  fideUty  I  bore,  an  aUe  and  do- 

Losing  my  vigor  and  repose  therethrough.  ^^  "^^ 

The  harlot  who  yet  never  from  the  door  may  still  be 

Of  Caesar's  dwelling  turned  her  wanton  eyes,  ^^^ *^^  o/yS- 

The  curse  and  bane  of  courts  f orevermore,  age  to  him  as  a 

Inflamed  all  minds  against  me;  in  such  wise  ])ante  makes 

Inflamed,  they  made  Augustus  flame  again,  him  teU  his 

So  that  glad  honors  turned  to  dismal  sighs.  ormtel manner 


52                                   Inferno  \ 

My  spirit,  through  her  temper  of  disdain,  . 

Deeming  by  dying  from  disdain  to  flee,  i 

Made  me,  though  just,  to  self-injustice  fain.  i 

I  swear  by  the  new  rootlets  of  this  tree  J 

That  to  my  Lord,  whose  worth  I  honored  so,  j 
I  never  forfeited  fidelity. 

If  one  of  you  to  earth  returning  go. 

Let  him  the  memory  of  me  restore,  ] 

Still  lying  prostrate  under  Envy's  blow." —  \ 

When  he  a  little  to  discourse  forbore,  \ 

The  Poet  said:  "Let  not  the  moment  go,  ^ 
But  speak  and  ask  him  what  thou  wouldest  more."          \ 

And  I  to  him:  "Do  thou  entreat  him  show 

Whatever  thou  thinkest  may  content  my  will,  j 

For  I  cannot,  for  pity  of  his  woe."  i 

Whence  he  resumed:  "So  may  the  man  fulfill  i 
What  thou  hast  prayed  for,  and  full  willingly. 

Imprisoned  spirit,  may  it  please  thee  still  j 

To  tell  us  in  what  way  the  soul  may  be 

Bound  in  these  knots;  and  tell,  if  licit,  too,  \ 

If  ever  any  from  such  limbs  breaks  free."  ' 

The  trunk  a  mighty  suspiration  blew,  1 
Whereon  that  wind  was  changed  to  voice  like  this:         | 

"Brief  the  reply  that  shall  be  made  to  you.  j 

When  the  fierce  spirit  separates  amiss 

From  out  the  body  whence  itself  has  torn, 

Minos  consigns  it  to  the  seventh  abyss.  i 

It  falls  into  the  forest,  where  no  bourn 

Is  chosen  for  it,  but  where  chance  may  throw,  \ 

Here  it  sprouts  up,  as  doth  a  grain  of  corn;  | 

Doth  to  a  sapling  and  a  wild  tree  grow:  \ 

The  Harpies,  browsing  then  its  leafy  crest,  | 

Cause  woe,  and  give  a  window  to  the  woe.  : 

We  shall  go  seek  our  bodies  like  the  rest. 
But  with  them  never  to  be  re-arrayed: 

For  'tis  not  just  to  have  what  we  divest.  ] 

\ 
\ 

i 


The  Black  Dogs  of  the  Wood  of  Phlegethon      53 

Here  shall  we  drag  them,  and  the  forest  glade 
Shall  see  our  bodies  hanging  dismally. 
Each  on  the  thomtree  of  its  injured  shade/' 

We  were  attentive  still  unto  the  tree, 

Thinking  that  haply  it  would  tell  us  more. 
When  a  tumult  overtook  us,  so  that  we 

Were  like  to  one  aware  of  hunt  and  boar 

Approaching  to  the  place  where  he  had  stood. 
Who  hears  the  branches  crash  the  beasts  before. 

And  lo!  on  the  left  hand,  two  spirits  nude 
And  scratcht,  fleeting  along  so  furious 
They  broke  through  every  barrier  of  the  wood. 

The  first:  "Now  hurry,  hurry.  Death  to  us!" 

And  the  next,  who  thought  himself  in  speed  outdone, 
Was  shouting;  "Lano,  not  alertly  thus 

Thy  legs  did  at  the  jousts  of  Toppo  run." 

And  haply  for  his  breath  too  short  he  found, 
A  thicket  and  himseK  he  grouped  as  one. 

After  them,  filling  all  the  forest  round. 

Were  running  ravening  bitches  black,  and  fleet 
As,  after  slipping  from  the  leash,  the  hound. 

In  him  who  cowered  down  their  tushes  meet, 
All  into  pieces  rending  him:  again 
They  bear  away  those  limbs  dilacerate. 

Taking  me  by  the  hand,  my  Leader  then 

Led  forward  to  the  bush,  with  many  a  sigh 
Lamenting  through  its  bleeding  wounds  in  vain. 

"O  James  of  Sant'  Andrea,"  was  its  cry, 

"Of  making  me  thy  screen  what  is  the  good? 
For  all  thy  wicked  life  what  blame  have  I?" 

The  Master  said  when  he  beside  it  stood: 

"Who  wast  thou  that,  through  wounds  so  numerous 
Art  blowing  forth  thy  woeful  words  with  blood?" 

"O  souls  that  hither  come,"  he  said  to  us, 

"To  view  the  shameful  havoc  that  from  me 
Has  rended  all  away  my  foliage  thus. 


54 


Inferno 


It  was  a  char- 
acteristic  popu- 
lar superstition 
at  Florence  that 
the  continual 
strife  that  raged 
there  was  due  to 
the  jealousy  of 
the  ancient  pa- 
tron god.  Mars. 
The  present 
Baptistry,  the 
old  Cathedral, 
was  pretty  cer- 
tainly built  on 
the  foundation 
of  an  ancient 
temple  of  Mars. 
Compare  the 
significant  ref- 
erence to  the 
maleficence  of 
the  mutilated 
statu£  of  the  god 
on  the  Ponte 
Vecchio  {Par. 
rvi,  near  end 
of  canto) 


Gather  it  up  beneath  the  wretched  tree. 

Mine  was  the  town  that  her  first  patron  for 
The  Baptist  changed:  and  for  this  reason  he 

Will  plague  her  with  his  art  forevermore. 
And,  were  it  not  that  still  of  him  remain 
Some  features  where  men  cross  the  Arno  o'er, 

Those  citizens  who  built  the  town  again 
Upon  the  ashes  left  by  Attila, 
Would  have  performed  the  labor  all  in  vdin. 

With  mine  own  house  I  made  myself  away.'' 


The  Steady  Rain  of  Fire  55 

XIV 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Defiers  of  God 

Because  for  native  country  reverent, 

Perforce  I  gathered  up  the  scattered  leaves 

And  gave  them  back  to  him,  whose  voice  was  spent. 

Thence  came  we  to  the  boimdary  which  cleaves 
-     The  Second  Rondure  from  the  Third,  where  dread 
Mode  of  eternal  justice  one  perceives. 

To  show  the  new  things  clearly,  be  it  said 
That  we  arrived  upon  a  desert  plain 
Which  banishes  all  plants  from  off  its  bed. 

The  woeful  wood  enwreathes  it,  as  again 
The  dismal  moat  encloses  that  around: 
Here,  hard  upon  the  verge,  did  we  remain. 

An  arid  and  dense  sand  composed  the  ground. 
Nor  was  it  formed  and  fashioned  otherhow 
Than  that  of  old  where  Cato  footing  found. 

Vengeance  of  God!  O  how  much  oughtest  thou 
By  every  person  to  be  held  in  awe 
Who  reads  that  which  was  manifested  now! 

Manifold  flocks  of  naked  souls  I  saw 

Who  all  did  woeful  lamentations  pour. 
And  they  seemed  subject  unto  diverse  law. 

Supine  were  lying  some  upon  the  floor. 

And  some  were  sitting  all  together  bent. 
And  others  went  about  forevermore. 

The  more  were  those  who  round  about  there  went. 
And  fewer  those  who  lay  in  torment  low. 
But  had  their  tongues  more  loosened  to  lament. 

Above  that  waste  of  sand,  descending  slow. 
Rained  everywhere  dilated  flakes  of  fire. 
As  upon  Alps,  without  a  wind,  the  snow. 

As  Alexander,  where  the  heat  is  dire 
In  India,  upon  his  host  beheld 
Flames  fall,  as  far  as  to  the  ground  entire; 


56  '  Inferno 

Whereat  he  with  his  legions  was  compelled 
To  trample  down  the  soil,  for  better  so 
The  flames,  remaining  single,  could  be  quelled: 
Such  was  descending  the  eternal  glow; 

Whereby,  like  tinder  under  steel,  the  sands 
Were  kindled  for  redoubling  of  the  woe. 
Forever  tossing  were  the  wretched  hands 

Now  hither  and  now  thither  without  rest, 
Fanning  fresh  burning  off  in  counter-dance. 
''Master,"  began  I,  "thou  who  conquerest 

All  things  except  the  stubborn  demon  train 
That  from  the  gate  against  our  entering  pressed. 
Who  is  the  mighty  one  that  in  disdain 

Lies  scowling,  nor  appears  the  fire  to  dread, 
So  that  he  seems  unripened  by  the  rain?" — 
And  that  same  one,  i>erceiving  what  I  said 

In  question  to  my  Guide  of  him,  did  shout: 
"What  once  I  was  alive,  that  am  I  dead. 
Should  Jupiter  his  blacksmith  weary  out, 

From  whom  the  sharpened  thunderbolt  he  tore 
Wrathful,  and  me  upon  my  last  day  smote; 
Or  weary  out  the  others  o'er  and  o*er 
Mongibdlo  is  In  Mongibello  at  the  stithy  swart, 

"fm^EtnT where  drying,  *Help,  help,  good  Vulcan,'  as  of  yore 

the  Cyclopes  had  On  Phlegra's  battlefield;  and  should  he  dart 
their  forge  jjjg  bolts  at  me  with  vigor  multiplied. 

That  vengeance  never  should  make  glad  his  heart." 
My  Leader  then  with  so  much  strength  replied 
That  I  had  never  heard  his  voice  so  great : 
"O  thou  Capaneus,  just  because  thy  pride 
Remains  unquencht,  the  woefuUer  thy  fate: 
No  torment  save  thy  very  rage  would  be 
Unto  thy  fury  pain  proportionate!" 
Then  with  a  better  look  he  turn'd  to  me: 

"That  one  was  of  the  seven  monarchs  who 
Laid  siege  to  Thebes;  he  held  and  seemingly 


The  Old  Man  of  Crete 


57 


Holds  God  in  scorn,  and  gives  contempt  to  view: 
But,  as  I  said  to  him,  his  spiteful  mood 
Is  for  his  breast  adornment  very  due. 

Now  follow  me,  and  let  thy  heed  be  good 
Not  on  the  burning  sand  thy  feet  to  set. 
But  keep  them  ever  back,  close  to  the  wood." 

In  silence  came  we  where  a  rivulet 

Gushes  from  out  the  wood:  a  rill  so  red 
That  thinking  of  it  makes  me  shudder  yet. 

As  from  the  Bulicame  there  takes  head 

A  brooklet  which  the  sinful  women  share. 
So  this  ran  down  across  the  sandy  bed. 

The  bottom  and  both  shelving  banksides  were 

Hardened  to  stone,  and  the  margins  at  the  side : 
Whence  I  perceived  our  passageway  was  there. 

"Among  all  other  things  by  thee  descried 

Through  me,  since  entering  within  the  gate 
Whose  threshold  unto  no  one  is  denied. 

Thine  eyes  not  anything  yet  contemplate 

Noteworthy  as  the  present  stream,  which  quite 
Doth  all  the  flames  above  it  suffocate." 

This  language  of  my  Leader  did  incite 
Petition  from  me  that  he  let  me  taste 
The  food  for  which  he  lent  the  appetite. 

"In  the  mid-sea  there  lies  a  country  waste," 

Thereon  he  said,  "that  bears  the  name  of  Crete, 
Under  whose  king  the  world  of  old  was  chaste. 

There  is  a  mountain,  Ida,  once  the  seat 
Of  laughing  waters  and  of  leafy  shade; 
Today  it  lies  deserted  and  effete. 

Once  Rhea  in  this  faithful  cradle  laid 

Her  son;  and  to  conceal  him  should  he  raise 
His  voice  to  weep,  caused  clamors  to  be  made. 

A  tall  old  man  within  the  mountain  stays. 
Who  doth  his  back  to  Damietta  hold. 
And  upon  Rome,  as  in  a  mirror,  gaze: 


Bulicame:  name 
of  a  hot  mineral 
spring  at  Viter- 
ho,  from  which 
water  seems  to 
have  been  con- 
ducted to  the 
houses  of  un- 
fortunate women 


58 


Inferno 


The  tall  old  man 
in  the  cavern  of 
the  Cretan 
Mount  Ida 
seems  to  sym- 
bolize  histori- 
cally the  human 
race  facing  west- 
ward, its  tears 
supjdying  the 
rivers  of  Hell 


His  head  is  fashioned  of  the  finest  gold, 

And  of  pure  silver  are  the  arms  and  breast, 
Whence  to  the  fork  he  is  of  brazen  mold; 

Thence  downward  all  is  iron,  of  the  best. 

Save  the  right  foot  of  terra  cotta,  and  more 
Doth  he  on  that  than  on  the  other  rest. 

Every  part,  except  the  golden  ore. 

Is  broken  by  a  cleft  where  tears  distill. 
And,  gathering,  perforate  that  cavern  floor. 

They  fall  cascading  to  this  valley, — ^fill  » 

And  Acheron  and  Styx  and  Phlegethon; 
Then  flow  along  this  narrow  channel,  till 

They  come  where  there  is  no  more  going  down: 

They  form  Cocytus, — that  pool  shalt  thou  know 
By  seeing:   so  be  here  description  none." 

And  I :  "If  thus  the  present  brooklet  flow 

Down  from  our  world  wherein  its  source  is  found, 
Why  does  it  only  on  this  border  show.?" 

And  he  to  me:  "Thou  knowest  the  place  is  round; 
And  though  thou  comest  from  a  distant  place, 
Still  to  the  left  toward  the  bottom  bound. 

Thou  dost  not  yet  the  circle  fully  trace: 

Wherefore  if  something  novel  comes  to  view. 
It  ought  not  to  bring  wonder  to  thy  face." 

"Where  found  is  Phlegethon,"  said  I  anew, 

"And  Lethe?  for  of  one  thou'rt  silent.  Lord, 
And  sayest  the  other  to  this  rain  is  due." 

"Thy  questions  please,"  he  said,  "in  every  word. 
Although  the  crimson  brook's  ebuUience 
Might  well  the  answer  unto  one  afford. 

Lethe  shalt  see,  but  from  this  fosse  far  hence. 

There  where  to  lave  themselves  the  souls  repair. 
When  guilt  has  been  removed  by  penitence." 

Then  added  he:  "The  time  is  come  to  fare 

Out  of  the  wood:  take  heed  thou  follow  me: 
The  banks,  not  burning,  form  a  thoroughfare. 

And  all  the  space  above  from  flame  is  free." 


Brunetto  Latini  59 

XV 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Dante  Meets 
A  Great  Teacher 

Now  bears  us  over  one  of  the  hard  banks. 

And  fumes  above  the  brooklet,  shading  well, 
Shelter  from  fire  the  water  and  the  flanks. 

As  Flemings,  who  'twixt  Bruges  and  Wissant  dwell. 
Fearing  the  floodtides  that  upon  them  run. 
Throw  up  the  dike  the  ocean  to  repel. 

And  as  by  Brenta  does  the  Paduan, 
His  villas  and  his  villages  to  spare 
Before  Carinthia  ever  feels  the  sun: 

Of  like  formation  those  were  fashioned  there. 
Though  not  so  high  nor  of  so  broad  a  base 
The  Master  made  them,  whosoe'er  he  were. 

We  were  so  distant  from  the  forest  chase 

By  this,  that  I  could  never  have  descried 

The  spot,  though  backward  I  had  turned  my  face; 

And  now  we  met  along  the  margin  side 
A  company  of  spirits  coming  by. 
Who  each  peered  at  us,  as  at  eventide 

Beneath  new  moon,  we  one  another  spy; 

And  they  were  puckering  their  brows  at  us 
Like  an  old  tailor  at  the  needle's  eye. 

By  such  a  family  inspected  thus. 

Well-known  I  proved  to  one  of  them,  who  caught 
My  garment's  hem,  and  cried:  "How  marvelous!" 

And  when  he  stretcht  his  arm,  a  glance  I  brought 
To  bear  so  fixt  upon  his  branded  hue. 
That  his  scorcht  countenance  prevented  not 

His  recognition  by  my  inner  view; 

And  to  his  visage  bending  mine  anigh, 
I  answered:  "Ser  Brunetto,  is  it  you?" 

"My  son  "  he  said,  "be  not  displeased  if  I, 

Brunet'  Latini,  backward  with  thee  fare 
A  little  way,  and  let  the  train  go  by." 


60 


Inferno 


Brunetto  Laiini 
was  a  distin- 
guished citizen 
and  man  of  let- 
ters who  had 
powerfully  in- 
fluenced Dante 
in  the  latter' s 
earlier  years. 
Brunetto  s  prin- 
cipal  vxrrk  was 
written  in 
French— ""Le 
lAvre  dou 
Tresor,"—a 
compilation  of 
encyclopedic 
character  held 
at  that  time  in 
high  esteem 


"That  is/'  I  said  toliim,  "my  urgent  prayer; 
And  if  you  wish  me  sit  with  you,  I  fain 
Will  do  it,  if  it  please  my  Leader  there." 

"O  son,''  he  said,  "whoever  of  this  train 

But  pauses,  lies  thereon  a  century  low. 
Without  a  fan  when  pelts  the  fiery  rain. 

Therefore  pass  on:   I  at  thy  skirts  will  go. 
And  then  rejoin  my  fellows,  who  lament, 
While  faring  onward,  their  eternal  woe." 

I  durst  not  from  the  causeway  make  descent 
Level  to  walk  beside  him,  but  did  bow 
My  head,  and  walkt  as  walk  the  reverent. 

"What  fate,"  began  he,  "or  what  fortune  now 
Leads  thee  down  hither  ere  thy  final  day? 
And  who  may  this  one  be  that  shows  thee  how  .J"' 

''Up  in  the  clear  life  yonder,"  did  I  say, 
"Or  ever  yet  my  age  was  fully  come, 
I  went  within  a  valley  far  astray. 

But  yestermorn  I  turned  my  face  therefrom : 
This  one  appeared  to  me  returning  there. 
And  leads  me  now  along  this  pathway  home." 

"If  following  thy  star  thou  onward  bear. 

Thou  canst  not  fail  of  glorious  port,"  he  said, 
"If  well  discerned  I  in  the  life  so  fair: 

And  but  that  I  was  far  too  early  dead. 

Beholding  Heaven  so  unto  thee  benign, 
I  would  thee  in  the  work  have  comforted. 

But  that  ungrateful  populace  malign. 

Who  came  of  yore  down  from  Fiesole, 
And  savor  still  of  mountain  and  of  mine. 

For  thy  good  deeds  will  be  thy  enemy; 

And  rightly:  for  'mid  crabbed  sorbs  confined. 
Befits  not  the  sweet  fig  to  fructify. 

Old  rumor  in  the  world  proclaims  them  blind; 
A  people  envious,  arrogant,  and  hard: 
Take  heed  thou  from  their  manners  be  refined. 


Dante  Faces  the  Future  Serenely  61 

Fortune  reserves  thee  honor  and  reward. 

Such  that  both  parties  yet  will  hungry  go 

For  thee:   but  far  from  goat  shall  be  the  sward. 

Let  the  Fiesolan  beasts  their  litter  strow. 

Rending  themselves;  nor  let  them  touch  the  blade, 
If  ever  any  on  their  dunghill  grow. 

Wherein  may  yet  revive  the  holy  seed 

Of  Romans, — those  therein  still  resident 
When  it  became  such  nest  of  evil  deed." 

"If  all  my  prayer  had  found  accomplishment," 
Replied  I  to  him,  "not  yet  would  you  be 
From  human  nature  placed  in  banishment: 

For  I  have  held  in  loving  memory 

Your  kind  paternal  image,  and  now  yearn 
For  you,  who  in  the  world  instructed  me 

From  hour  to  hour  how  man  becomes  eterne: 
And  while  I  am  alive,  it  is  but  right 
Men  in  my  words  my  gratitude  discern. 

What  you  relate  about  my  course,  I  write. 

And  keep — with  other  text — ^for  Lady,  who. 
If  I  attain  her,  can  the  gloss  indite. 

Thus  much  would  I  have  manifest  to  you. 

That  if  so  be  my  conscience  do  not  frown, 
I  am  ready,  whatsoever  Fortune  do. 

Not  newly  is  such  hansel  paid  me  down: 

Therefore  let  twirling  Fortune  ply  her  wheel 
At  pleasure,  and  his  mattock  ply  the  clown." 

Thereat  my  Master,  back  upon  his  heel 

Turning  toward  the  right,  upon  me  bent 

His  eyes;  then  said:  "Who  notes  it,  listens  well!" 

Nor  speaking  less  on  that  account,  I  went 

With  Ser  Brunetto  on,  and  question  made 
Of  his  companions  known  and  eminent. 

"To  know  of  some  of  them  is  well,"  he  said, 
"Of  others  best  be  silent,  for  the  time 
With  so  much  speaking  were  too  quickly  sped. 


62  Inferno 

Know  then,  in  brief,  that  all  were  clerks,  sublime 
In  their  renown,  and  men  of  letters  great. 
On  earth  polluted  with  the  one  same  crime. 

Priscian  goes  with  yon  troop  disconsolate, 
And  Francis  of  Accorso;  who  observes 
Such  vermin,  might  have  seen  that  reprobate 

Who,  by  the  Servant  of  each  one  who  serves. 
Was  banned  from  Arno  to  the  Bacchiglion', 
Where  he  laid  by  his  ill-excited  nerves. 

Of  more  would  I  relate,  but  going  on 

And  speech  can  be  no  longer,  for  I  see 

New  smoke  from  the  great  sand  uprising  yon. 

A  people  comes  with  whom  I  may  not  be; 

My  'Treasure'  be  commended  to  thy  love, — 
There  still  I  live:  more  ask  I  not  of  thee." 

Then  he  turned  back,  and  showed  the  action  of 
Those  at  Verona  who  cross-country  run 
To  win  the  cloth  of  green,  and  thereabove 

Appeared  the  winning,  not  the  losing  one. 


Souls  in  Torture  Concerned  for  Florence         63 

XVI 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  Three  Great 
Citizens  of  Florence 

I  was  already  where  we  heard  a  sound 

Such  as  the  bees  make  in  the  hive,  a  hum 
Of  water  falling  into  the  next  round; 

Then  did  three  shades  together  running  come. 
Quitting  a  passing  company  that  went 
Beneath  the  rain  of  the  sharp  martyrdom. 

Approaching,  in  this  cry  their  voices  blent: 

"Stop  thou,  who  by  thy  garb  appearst  to  be 
Some  one  from  out  our  city  pestilent." 

What  sores  flame-branded  on  their  limbs,  ah  me! 
Still  recent  ones  and  ancient,  met  my  view: 
It  grieves  me  for  them  yet  in  memory. 

Their  cries  attention  from  my  Teacher  drew, 

Who  turned  his  face  to  me  and  said:  "Now  stay: 
To  such  as  these  all  courtesy  is  due; 

And  if  it  were  not  for  the  fiery  spray 

The  nature  of  the  place  darts,  I  should  feel 
That  thou  wert  better  hurry,  and  not  they." 

They  re-began  to  dance  the  ancient  reel 

Soon  as  we  paused,  and,  drawing  near  us  so, 
All  three  resolved  themselves  into  a  wheel. 

As  champions  stript  and  oiled  are  wont  to  do, 

Who  for  their  grip  and  for  their  vantage  look. 
Before  they  ever  bandy  thrust  and  blow: 

Thus,  wheeling  round,  not  one  of  them  forsook 
The  sight  of  me,  so  that  in  counterchase 
The  neck  and  feet  continual  journey  took. 

"Ah !  if  the  misery  of  this  shifting  place 

Make  us  and  our  desires  contemptible," 
Began  one,  "and  our  black  and  blistered  face. 

Let  our  renown  incline  thy  mind  to  tell 
Who  art  thou  that,  with  such  security, 
Trailest  along  thy  living  feet  through  Hell.'^ 


64  Inferno 

He  treading  in  whose  steps  thou  seest  me,  i 

Excoriated  though  he  be,  and  nude,  \ 

Was  higher  than  thou  thinkest  in  degree.  ; 

The  grandson  was  he  of  Gualdrada  good; 

His  name  was  Guido  Guerra:   much  he  planned 
Astutely,  and  his  sword  was  likewise  shrewd. 

The  other  who  behind  me  treads  the  sand,  \ 

Tegghaio  Aldobrandi  is,  whose  fame  \ 
Ought  to  be  grateful  in  the  upper  land. 

And  I,  thus  put  upon  the  cross  with  them,  j 

Was  Jacob  Rusticucci :   that  I  grieve,  '\ 

Truly  my  savage  wife  is  most  to  blame.'*  ; 

If  from  the  fire  I  could  have  had  reprieve, 

I  should  have  flung  me  down  to  them  below,  \ 
And  think  my  Teacher  would  have  given  me  leave.        ' 

But  since  I  should  have  parcht  and  burnt  me  so,  j 

Terror  availed  to  check  the  kindly  thought  J 
Which  prompted  me  to  their  embrace  to  go. 

"Contempt,"  then  I  began,  "indeed  'twas  not,  j 

That  your  condition  thrilled  me  with,  but  rue  > 

So  deep  that  it  will  not  be  soon  forgot,  i 

When  this  my  Lord  spake  words  to  me,  wherethrough  \ 

The  expectation  was  within  me  stirred  ' 

That  people  might  be  coming  such  as  you.  j 

I  am  your  fellow-townsman;  every  word  ; 

That  told  your  honored  names  and  actions  all,  | 
With  love  I  ever  have  rehearst  and  heard. 

I  go  for  the  sweet  fruit,  leaving  the  gall, —  ] 

Fruit  by  the  truthful  Leader  promised  me:  ; 
But  to  the  Center  first  I  needs  must  fall." 

"So  may  thy  limbs  long  while  directed  be  j 

By  living  soul,"  that  one  thereon  replied,  ■ 

"And  so  may  thy  renown  shine  after  thee,  ] 

Tell  whether  courtesy  and  valor  abide  j 

Within  our  city  as  of  wont,  or  thence  • 

Banisht  and  altogether  thrust  aside?  ] 


The  Crimson  Cataract 


65 


For  William  Borsiere,  who  laments 

Of  late  with  us,  and  goes  with  yonder  train, 
Speaks  that  which  much  our  misery  augments." 

"The  upstart  people  and  the  sudden  gain 

Excess  in  thee  and  arrogance  have  bred, 
O  Florence,  as  thou  findest  to  thy  bane !" — 

Thus  cried  I  out  aloud  with  lifted  head: 

And  holding  this  for  my  reply,  the  three 
Lookt  at  each  other,  as  when  truth  is  said. 

"If  otherwhile  so  little  costs  it  thee 

Others  to  satisfy,"  all  answered  then, 
"Happy  thou,  speaking  with  impunity. 

Whence  if,  escapt  this  place  of  gloom,  again 
Returned  to  see  the  starry  heavens  fair. 
Thou  shalt  rejoice  to  utter,  *I  have  been,' 

Pray  speak  of  us  unto  the  people  there." 

Now  break  they  up  the  wheel,  and  as  they  part. 
Their  nimble  legs  appear  to  wing  the  air. 

It  is  not  possible  "Amen"  could  start 

From  tongue  as  quick  as  their  evanishment: 
Wherefore  it  pleased  my  Master  to  depart. 

I  followed,  and  but  little  way  we  went. 

Before  so  near  us  was  the  water's  sound, 
That,  for  all  speaking,  scarce  were  hearing  lent. 

Even  as  that  stream  which  holds  its  proper  ground 
The  first,  from  Monte  Viso  to  the  sea 
Eastward,  upon  the  Apennine's  left  bound, — 

Stillwater  called  above,  before  it  be 
Precipitated  to  its  lower  bed. 
But  of  that  name  is  vacant  at  Forli, — 

Above  Saint  Benedict  from  the  mountain  head 
Goes  bellowing  down  a  single  waterfall 
Where  for  a  thousand  there  were  room  instead: 

Thus,  leaping  downward  from  a  scarped  wall. 
We  heard  that  tinted  water  make  such  din. 
That  it  would  soon  have  stunned  the  ear  withal. 


Monte  Viso 
{Chaucer's 
^Vestihis  the 
colde")  is  at  the 
head  of  the  Po. 
The  river  here 
referred  to,  the 
Montone,  was 
the  first  river 
north  of  the 
Apennines 
which  had  an 
independent 
course  to  the  sea. 
Dante  makes  his 
geographical 
references  an 
element  of 
poetry,  as  after 
him  did  Milton 


66 


Inferno 


The  cord  is  sup- 
posed to  be  the 
girdle  of  St. 
Francis,  who 
intended  it  as  an 
emblem  of  the 
binding  of  the 
vnld  beast  of  ike 
body.     The  old 
commentator, 
Buti,  states  that 
Dante  was  once 
a  member  of  that 
order  of  Fran- 
ciscans called 
from  the  cord. 
Cordeliers.    So 
the  celebrated 
Guido  da  Mon- 
iefeltro,  who 
tells  his  dra- 
matic story  in 
Canto  xxvii 


I  had  a  cord  that  girt  my  garment  in, 

For  with  it  I  had  once  thought  requisite 
To  take  the  leopard  of  the  painted  skin. 

As  soon  as  I  had  loosed  it  from  me  quite. 

To  the  commandment  of  my  Guide  submiss, 
I  reacht  it  to  him,  coiled  and  wound  up  tight. 

Whereon  he  turned  toward  the  right,  and  this, 
A  little  out  beyond  the  verge,  did  fling 
Down  into  that  precipitous  abyss. 

"Now  surely  it  must  be  that  some  new  thing,^' 
I  said  within,  "answer  the  signal  new 
Which  thus  the  Master's  eye  is  following." 

Ah  me!  how  cautious  should  men  be  and  do 

Near  those  who  witness  not  alone  the  deeds, 

But  with  their  wisdom  to  the  thoughts  look  through ! 

He  said  to  me:  "What  I  expect  must  needs 

Come  upward  soon,  and  what  thy  dreams  now  ask 
Must  soon  be  such  that  very  eyesight  heeds." — 

Aye  to  that  truth  concealed  beneath  false  mask, 
A  man  should  close  his  lips,  if  in  him  lies. 
Lest  he,  though  blameless,  should  be  brought  to  task ; 

But  here  I  cannot:   by  the  harmonies 

Of  this  my  Comedy,  Reader,  I  swear. 

So  may  their  grace  be  lasting,  that  mine  eyes 

Saw  through  the  gross  and  gloomy  atmosphere 
A  shap)e  come  swimming  up,  of  such  as  be 
To  every  steadfast  heart  a  thing  of  fear: 

As  he  returns  who  sometime  dives,  to  free 

The  anchor-fluke,  lest  vessel  come  to  harm 
On  reef,  or  aught  else  hidden  in  the  sea. 

Who  draws  his  foot  in,  and  flings  up  his  arm. 


The  Monster  Geryon  67 

XVII 

Seventh  Circle:  Ring  3.  The  Wonderful 
Flight  Downward 

"Behold  the  beast  with  pointed  tail,  whose  guile 

Doth  mountains  cleave  and  walls  and  weapons  rend ; 
Behold  him  who  doth  all  the  world  defile." 

So  sp)oke  to  me  my  Leader  and  my  friend; 

And  that  it  come  in  shoreward  beckoned  it. 
Near  where  the  trodden  marbles  make  an  end. 

Then  forward  came  that  filthy  counterfeit 

Image  of  Fraud  to  land  its  head  and  bust. 
But  drew  not  up  its  tail  from  out  the  pit. 

Its  face  was  like  the  face  of  person  just. 
So  outwardly  benignant  was  its  hue. 
But  like  a  serpent  all  the  rest  outthrust. 

Paws  shaggy  to  the  armpits  it  had  two; 

And  many  a  painted  nooselet,  many  a  quirk 

The  back,  the  breast,  and  both  the  flanks  bestrew. 

Never  was  cloth  by  Tartar  woven  or  Turk, 
More  variously  colored,  warp  and  woof. 
Nor  yet  such  tissue  did  Arachne  work. 

As  along  shore  the  wherries  lie  aloof 

At  times,  in  water  part  and  part  on  land; 
And  as  the  beaver  in  his  hunt's  behoof 

Doth  yonder  'mid  the  guzzling  Germans  stand: 
So  lay  that  worst  of  beasts  along  the  stone 
That  forms  the  margin  fencing  in  the  sand. 

All  quivering  in  the  void  the  tail  was  thrown. 
Twisting  aloft  the  point  of  it,  that  bare 
A  venomed  fork  as  in  the  scorpion. 

"Now,"  said  my  Leader,  "it  behooves  us  fare 
Somewhat  aside,  far  as  that  maledight 
Wild  beast  which  couches  on  the  border  there.** 

So  therefore  we,  descending  on  the  right. 
Ten  steps  along  the  outer  border  pace. 
The  sand  and  flakes  of  fire  avoiding  quite. 


68 


Inferno 


These  are  the 
cognizances, 
respectively,  of 
the  Florentine 
families  Gian- 
figliazzi  and 
Ubriachi,  and 
of  the  Paduan 
family,  Scrovi- 
gni,  oil  degraded 
by  the  inordi- 
nate practice  of 
usury.   A  draw- 
ing of  the  first  of 
these  shidds  is 
prefixed  to  this 
Cantica 


As  soon  as  ever  we  have  reacht  the  place, 
A  Uttle  farther  on  the  sand  I  see 
A  f>eople  sitting  near  the  empty  space. 

"  Of  this  third  round,"  the  Master  said  to  me, 
"That  thou  mayst  carry  full  experience, 
Go  now,  consider  what  their  manners  be. 

Out  there  concise  must  be  thy  conference: 

I  will  persuade  this  brute  his  shoulders  strong 
To  lend  us,  against  thy  returning  thence." 

Thus  farther  yet,  and  all  alone,  along 

That  seventh  circle's  utmost  head,  I  go 
Thither  where  sit  the  melancholy  throng. 

Out  of  their  eyes  is  bixrsting  forth  their  woe: 

Now  here,  now  there,  with  hands  they  agonize 
Against  the  flames,  against  the  soil  aglow. 

Dogs  in  the  summer  do  not  otherwise, 

Now  with  the  paw  and  presently  with  snout, 
At  bite  of  fleas,  of  gadflies,  or  of  flies. 

When  I  had  singled  certain  faces  out 

Of  those  on  whom  the  woeful  fire  is  shed. 
Not  one  of  them  I  knew;  but  slung  about 

Each  neck  perceived  a  pouch,  emblazoned 
With  certain  hue  and  certain  cognizance. 
And  therewithal,  it  seems,  their  eye  is  fed. 

And  as,  among  them  looking,  I  advance. 
Beheld  I  Azure  on  a  wallet  Or, 
Bearing  a  lion's  mien  and  countenance. 

And  as  the  sweep  of  vision  onward  bore. 
Another  bag,  blood-red,  beheld  I  now 
Display  a  goose,  as  butter  white,  and  more. 

Then  one  upon  whose  wallet  white  a  sow, 
In  brood  and  azure,  was  in  blazon  set. 
Exclaimed:  "Here  in  this  ditch  what  doest  thou? 

Now  get  thee  gone:  and  since  thou'rt  living  yet, 
Know  that  my  townsman,  Vitaliano,  here 
Upon  my  left-hand  side  a  seat  shall  get. 


Descent  astride  Oeryon  69 

A  Paduan  with  these  Florentines,  mine  ear 

Ofttimes  they  deafen,  crying  in  each  close, — 
*Let  him  come  down,  the  sovran  cavalier 

Who  with  the  triple-beaked  budget  goes!'" 

Here  pursing  up  his  mouth,  he  made  display 
Of  tongue,  like  cattle  when  they  lick  the  nose. 

And  apprehensive  lest  my  longer  stay 

Displease  him  who  had  bid  me  little  bide, 
I  turned  me  from  those  weary  souls  away. 

On  back  of  that  fell  beast  I  found  my  Guide 

Already  mounted,  and  he  said:  "Take  care 
That  thou  be  steady  and  unterrified. 

Now  must  we  needs  descend  by  such  a  stair: 
Mount  thou  in  front,  for  I  between  will  sit. 
So  that  the  tail  do  thee  no  harm  whate'er.'^ 

Like  one  about  to  have  the  ague  fit 

Of  quartan,  blue  of  nail,  all  shuddering 
At  shadow,  catching  but  the  sight  of  it, — 

Such  I  became,  on  hearing  such  a  thing; 

But  his  monitions  wrought  in  me  that  shame 
Which  makes  brave  servant  before  noble  king. 

I  set  myself  upon  that  monstrous  frame: 
"Clasp  me  P  I  tried  to  say,  but  utterance 
Refused  to  come,  though  I  believed  it  came. 

But  he  who  otherwhile  in  other  chance 

Assisted,  with  his  arms  surrounded  me 
As  soon  as  I  had  mounted.  "Now  advance, 

O  Geryon !  ample  let  thy  wheelings  be," 

He  bade,  "and  slow  be  thy  descending  here; 
Remember  the  new  load  that  burdens  thee." — 

As  draws  a  little  vessel  from  her  pier. 

So,  backing,  backing,  thence  did  Geryon  draw; 
And  when  he  felt  that  he  was  wholly  clear. 

Turned  tail  to  where  before  his  breast  I  saw. 
And  tail  outstretching,  moved  it  like  an  eel. 
And  gathered  in  the  air  with  play  of  paw. 


70  Inferno 

No  greater  fear,  I  ween,  did  any  feel. 

When  Phaeton,  abandoning  the  rein. 
Branded  the  sky,  as  still  the  nights  reveal; 

Nor  when  poor  Icarus  perceived  each  pen 

Fall  from  his  flank  the  molten  wax  withal, — 
"Thy  way  is  wild!"  his  father  shouted  then, — 

Than  mine,  when  I  beheld  me  to  be  all 
Adrift  in  air,  and  saw  extinguisht  so 
Every  sight  but  of  the  animal. 

He  swims  along,  slow  undulating,  slow. 

Wheels  and  descends, — this  could  I  but  surmise 
By  wind  upon  my  face,  and  from  below. 

Already  on  the  right  I  heard  arise 

Out  of  the  cataract  a  frightful  roar. 

Whence  I  outstretcht  my  head  with  downward  eyes. 

Thereon  the  precipice  dismayed  me  more. 
For  burning  did  I  see  and  moaning  hear. 
Whereat  my  thighs  gripped  closer  than  before. 

Now  I  discerned,  what  first  did  not  appear. 

The  sinking  movement  and  the  wheeHng,  by 
Great  woes  from  every  quarter  drawing  near. 

Like  falcon,  overlong  enforced  to  fly. 

That  without  spying  either  bird  or  bait, 

"Ah  me,  thou  stoopest!"  makes  the  falconer  cry. 

Then  settles  weary  whence  it  sped  elate, 
AUghting,  after  many  a  circling  round. 
Far  from  its  lord,  aloof,  exasperate: 

So  Geryon  set  us  down  upon  the  ground. 

Hard  by  the  bottom  of  the  cliff  rough-scored. 
And  disencumbered  of  our  weight,  did  bound 

Off  and  away,  like  arrow  from  the  cord. 


Maleholge                               71  j 

XVIII  \ 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  1.  Panders  and  ' 

Seducers.  Pouch  2.  Flatterers  t 

There  is  in  Hell  a  region  all  of  stone,  '\ 

By  name  Malpouches,  of  an  iron  hue  ' 

Like  the  precipitous  encircling  zone.  j 

Right  in  the  middle  of  the  fell  purlieu  1 

There  yawns,  exceeding  deep  and  wide,  a  Pit  - 

Whose  structure  I  shall  tell  in  order  due.  \ 

A  rounding  girdle  thus  remains  of  it  ] 
Between  the  Pit  and  the  high  rocky  steep. 

And  in  its  bed  ten  vales  divided  sit.  ■ 

Of  like  configuration  was  that  deep  \ 

As  otherwhere,  for  safeguard  of  the  wall,  \ 

Several  moats  begird  a  castle-keep:  ^ 

Such  an  appearance  had  these  valleys  all; 

And  as  from  thresholds  of  such  fortalice  ! 

Run  to  the  outer  rampart  bridges  small,  ] 

So  from  the  bottom  of  the  precipice  { 
Struck  across  banks  and  moats  bridgeways  of  stone, 

Converging  and  cut  short  at  the  abyss.  i 

In  this  place,  from  the  back  of  Geryon  thrown,  ■ 

We  found  ourselves :   then  did  the  Poet  go  i 

Toward  the  left,  and  I  behind  moved  on.  ^ 

On  the  right-hand  discovered  I  new  woe,  ; 

New  torments  and  new  wielders  of  the  thong,  j 

Full  filling  the  first  Malpouch  there  below.  \ 

The  sinners  naked  at  the  bottom  throng:  ^ 

This  side  the  middle  come  they  facing  me,  \ 

Swifter,  beyond,  they  stride  with  me  along.  \ 

The  Romans  thus,  in  year  of  Jubilee, 

To  make  the  people  pass  the  bridge  devise,  ^ 

By  reason  of  the  countless  company,  | 

So  that  on  one  side  all  direct  their  eyes  I 

Toward  the  Castle  and  Saint  Peter's  fane;  j 

On  the  other  toward  the  Hill  their  passage  lies.  • 


72 


Inferno 


Ghisola  (or 
GhislaheUa) 
was  his  sister, 
whom  he  per- 
suaded to  he- 
come  the  mis- 
tress of  the  Esie, 
the  powerful 
lord  of  Ferrara 


"Sipa"  was  the 
Bolognese  form 
of  the  present 
subjunctive  of 
the  verb  mean- 
ing "to  be." 
The   modern 
form  is  said  to  be 
"sepa."  Bologna 
lies  between  the 
two  rivers  Reno 
and  Savena 


Hither  and  yon  along  the  gloomy  lane, 

I  saw  horned  demons  with  great  whips,  who  dealt 
Behindward  on  them  furious  blows  amain. 

Ah !  how  these  made  them  after  the  first  pelt 
Lift  up  their  heels!  then  truly  waited  none 
Until  the  second  or  the  third  he  felt. 

While  I  was  going  on,  mine  eyes  by  one 

Encountered  were;  and  instantly  I  said: 
"For  sight  of  him  I  have  not  hungry  gone!" 

Wherefore  to  make  him  out  my  feet  I  stayed; 
And  my  kind  Leader,  slackening  his  pace. 
Consented  to  some  steps  I  backward  made. 

And  that  scourged  spirit,  lowering  his  face. 
Bethought  to  hide,  but  with  small  benefit; 
I  saying:  "Thou  that  dost  thine  eyes  abase. 

Must,  if  those  features  are  not  counterfeit, 
Venedico  Caccianimico  be: 
But  what  brings  thee  to  such  a  smarting  pit?" 

"Unwillingly  I  tell,  though  forced,"  said  he, 

"By  thy  explicit  speech  Vhich  brings  the  old 
Foregone  existence  back  to  memory. 

To  do  the  Marquis  pleasure,  I  cajoled 
Fair  Ghisola, — in  whatsoever  way 
The  shameful  tale  be  peradventure  told. 

No  lonely  Bolognese  I  weep  here:  nay. 
For  rather  do  we  so  this  region  fill. 
That  not  so  many  tongues  are  taught  to  say 

Sipa  'twixt  Reno  and  Savena;  still 

If  thou  wouldst  have  me  pledge  or  proof  subjoin. 
Recall  to  mind  our  avaricious  will." 

While  he  spoke  thus,  a  demon  on  the  loin 

Lasht  him,  exclaiming:  "Pander,  get  thee  gone! 
There  are  no  women  here  for  minting  coin." 

I  now  rejoin  mine  Escort:  whereupon 

With  footsteps  few  we  come  where  we  discern 
A  craggy  bridge  that  from  the  cliff  was  thrown. 


Jason  the  Seducer  73 

Ascending  this  full  easily,  we  turn 

Upon  its  jagged  ridgeway  to  the  right. 
Departing  from  those  circling  walls  eterne. 

When  came  we  where  a  gap  beneath  the  height 
Yawns  for  the  sinners  driven  by  the  thong. 
My  Leader  said:  "Lay  hold,  until  the  sight 

Strike  on  thee  of  another  misbom  throng. 

Of  whom  thou  hast  not  yet  beheld  the  face 
Because  they  still  have  gone  with  us  along." 

From  the  old  bridge  we  viewed  the  file,  apace 
Who  neared  us  on  the  further  side  below. 
And  whom  the  scourges  in  like  manner  chase. 

Without  my  asking,  the  Good  Master  so 

Addrest  me:  "Yonder  mighty  one  behold. 
Who  seems  to  shed  no  tear  for  all  his  woe: 

How  kingly  in  his  bearing,  as  of  old! 

'Tis  Jason,  who  by  prowess  and  by  guile 
Despoiled  the  Colchians  of  the  Fleece  of  Gold. 

He  skirted  once  the  coast  of  Lemnos  isle. 
After  the  merciless  women  unafraid 
Devoted  all  their  males  to  death  erewhile. 

There,  with  love-tokens  and  fair  words,  the  maid 
Hypsipyle  did  he  betray,  that  one 
Who  first,  herself,  had  all  the  rest  betrayed. 

And  there  he  left  her,  pregnant  and  alone: 

Such  guilt  condemns  him  to  such  martyrdom. 
And  for  Medea  too  is  vengeance  done. 

With  him  go  such  deceivers  all  and  some: 
Of  the  first  valley  let  so  much  suffice. 
And  of  those  by  its  vengeance  overcome.'* — 

Already  had  we  reacht  the  place  where  lies 
The  narrow  path  across  the  second  dike. 
Which  buttress  for  another  arch  supplies. 

Thence  heard  we  people  whimper  plaintive-like 
In  the  next  pocket,  and  with  snorting  roar 
Of  muzzle,  with  their  palms  upon  them  strike. 


74  Inferno 

It  is  hardly  The  banks  were  with  a  mold  encrusted  o'er 

miZTJsympa-  ^Y  vapors  from  below  that  on  them  rest, 

theiic  reader  With  both  the  eyes  and  nostrils  waging  war. 

lonmlS'^be  The  bottom  is  so  hollowly  deprest 

more  delicate  There  is  no  room  to  see,  except  one  go 

mivTrthan  ^P  ^^ere  the  arching  bridge  is  loftiest. 

Dante.  But  it  is  Thither  We  came,  whence  in  the  ditch  below 

T^'Thronlh  ^  s^^  ^^^^  weltering  in  excrement 

Hell  without  That  out  of  human  privies  seemed  to  flow. 

m^'aldlVsccri-  W^i^^  I  was  looking  down  with  eye  intent, 

ity,  as  here  and  I  saw  one  head  SO  smeared  with  ordure  all, 

at  the  close  of  rr    i     i  i  >x  a        •  i      . 

Canto  xxi  ^*  ^^^^^  ^^  layman  twas  not  evident. 

"Wherefore  so  greedy  art  thou,"  did  he  bawl, 
"At  me  more  than  the  filthy  rest  to  stare.^" 
"Because,"  I  answered,  "if  I  well  recall, 

I  have  already  seen  thee  with  dry  hair; 
Alessio  Interminei  of  Lucca,  late 
Wast  thou:  whence  singled  out  from  others  there." 

And  thereon  he,  belaboring  his  pate: 

"To  this  has  plunged  me  down  the  sycophance 
Wherewith  my  tongue  was  never  satiate." 

Hereon  my  Leader  said  to  me:  "Advance 


Thy  face  still  further  forward,  till  thou  bring  ^y    \ 

Of  that  uncleanly  and  disheveled  thing, 


Thine  eyesight  full  up)on  the  countenance 


^1 


Who  scratches  yon  with  nails  smeared  filthily, 


And  now  is  standing  up,  now  cowering.  ^^   V  ^  ^ 

Thus  is  the  harlot  Thais  seen  of  thee,  ^  ^>^        J 

Who  answered  once  her  minion  when  he  said :  ^ 

*Dost  greatly  thank  me.'^' — *Nay,  stupendously.' 

And  herewith  let  our  sight  be  surfeited."  , 


More  Shameful  Prostitution  75 

XIX 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  3.  Simoniacal  Popes 

0  Simon  Magus,  O  disciples  vile ! 

Ye  who  the  things  of  God,  which  ought  to  be 
The  brides  of  righteousness,  lo!  ye  defile 

For  silver  and  for  gold  rapaciously; 

Now  it  befits  the  trumpet  sound  your  doom. 
Because  in  this  third  pouch  of  Hell  are  ye. 

Already  had  we  on  the  following  tomb 

Mounted,  to  that  part  of  the  bridgeway  whence 
It  doth  the  middle-moat  quite  overloom. 

Wisdom  Supreme!  of  art  what  evidence 

In  Heaven,  Earth,  and  the  Evil  World  is  found. 
And  ah !  how  justly  doth  thy  power  dispense ! 

1  saw  upon  the  sides  and  on  the  ground. 

With  many  a  hole  the  dark  stone  drilled,  and  all 
Of  one  dimension,  and  each  one  was  round. 

None  ampler  seemed  to  me,  nor  yet  more  small. 
Than  those  that  in  my  beautiful  St.  John 
Are  made  to  the  baptizers  for  a  stall; 

And  one  of  these,  not  many  years  agone, 

I  broke  for  one  who  stifling  would  have  died: 
Be  this  a  seal  to  undeceive  each  one. 

Thrust  forth  from  every  opening,  I  descried 
A  sinner's  feet,  and  saw  the  ankles  twain 
Far  as  the  calf:  the  rest  remained  inside. 

The  soles  of  all  were  both  consumed  amain. 

And  so  with  flames  the  joints  were  quivering 

No  ropes  and  withies  would  have  stood  the  strain. 

As  flame  of  oily  things  is  wont  to  cling 
Alone  upon  the  face  exterior, 
So  here  from  heel  to  point  'twas  flickering. 

'^Master,"  said  I,  "who  is  that  one  who  more 

Infuriate  writhes  than  his  companions  there, 
And  whom  a  redder  flame  is  licking  o'er.'^^* 


76 


Inferno 


One  of  the  legal 
'punishments  of 
that    implacable 
period  was  the 
^planting''  thus 
of  the  perfidious 
murderer. 
Dante's  simili- 
tudes imply,  of 
course,  familiar- 
ity on  the  part 
of  the  reader  of 
his  time  with  the 
scene  referred  to. 
The  customs, 
habits,   sports, 
arts,  affairs  of 
all  hinds  from 
which  he  draws 
images  have 
grecUly  changed, 
so  that  we  have 
to  use  more 
imagination  in 
reading  him 


The  references 
to  the  Church  as 
the  Lady,  or  the 
Bride  of  Christ, 
and  by  extension 
of  the  Pope  as 
the   Vicar  of 
Christ,  are  so 
frequent  that 
comment  is,  in 
most  cases, 
superfluous 


And  he  to  me :  "K  thou  wilt  let  me  bear 

Thee  down  by  yonder  cliff  that  lies  more  low. 
From  him  of  him  and  of  his  crimes  shalt  hear." 

"Thy  pleasure,  lord,  is  mine,  and  thou  dost  know 
That  I  depart  not  from  thy  will,"  I  said, 
"And  knowest  my  unspoken  thought,  I  trow." 

Thereon  the  fourth  embankment  did  we  tread. 

Turned,  and  descended  leftward  from  the  bank 
Down  to  the  narrow,  perforated  bed. 

The  Master  good  not  yet  from  off  his  flank 

Deposed  me,  till  he  brought  me  to  the  hole 
Of  him  who  so  was  weeping  with  his  shank. 

"Whoe'er  thou  art,  thus  planted  like  a  pole 

Top  downward,"  then  began  I,  "do  thou  strive 
To  speak  out,  if  thou  canst,  O  wretched  soul !" 

My  posture  was  the  friar's,  at  hand  to  shrive 
The  false  assassin,  who,  when  planted,  tries 
To  call  him  back,  still  to  remain  alive. 

"Art  thou  already  standing  there.^"  he  cries, 
"Art  standing  there  already,  Boniface  .?* 
By  several  seasons,  then,  the  writing  lies. 

And  art  thou  glutted  with  that  wealth  apace, 
For  sake  whereof  thou  didst  not  fear  betray 
The  Lady  beautiful,  and  then  disgrace.^" — 

Such  I  became  as  people  brought  to  stay 

Because  an  answer  from  the  mark  seems  wide. 
As  if  bemockt,  not  knowing  what  to  say. 

"Say  to  him  quickly,"  hereon  Virgil  cried, 

"  T  am  not  he  thou  thinkst,  I  am  not  he!' " 
And  as  enjoined  upon  me,  I  replied. 

The  spirit  writhed  his  feet  exceedingly; 

Then  sighing,  and  with  voice  disconsolate. 
Said  to  me:  "What  then  wan  test  thou  of  me? 

If  thou  desire  so  much  to  know  my  state. 

That  for  this  cause  thou  hast  the  bank  traversed, 
Know,  I  was  vested  with  the  Mantle  Great. 


Dante  to  a  Corrupt  Pope 


77 


True  son  of  the  She-bear,  I  had  such  thirst 
Insatiate  to  advance  the  Cubs,  mine  own. 
That  wealth  above,  and  here  myself,  I  pursed. 

Beneath  my  head  the  others  down  are  thrown, 
Preceding  me  in  simony,  and  all 
Flattened  along  the  fissures  of  the  stone. 

Down  thither  shall  I  likewise  drop  withal. 

When  comes  that  other  whom  I  thought  to  meet 
What  time  I  let  the  sudden  question  fall. 

But  longer  now  do  I  already  heat 

My  footpalms,  standing  here  inverted  thus. 
Than  he  shall  planted  stay  with  ruddy  feet: 

For  after  him  a  Pastor  impious 

Shall  come  from  Westward,  fouler  in  his  deed, 
Such  as  befits  to  cover  both  of  us. 

New  Jason  will  he  be,  of  whom  we  read 

In  Maccabees:  and  pliant  as  that  lord. 

Will  he  who  governs  France  give  this  one  heed." 

I  know  not  if  foolhardy  was  my  word. 
But  I  made  answer  only  in  this  key: 
"I  pray  thee  tell  me  now  how  rich  a  hoard 

Saint  Peter  paid  into  the  treasury. 

Ere  gave  Our  Lord  the  keys  to  his  control? 
Nothing  in  truth  He  askt  save  Tollow  me!' 

Nor  Peter  nor  the  rest  did  levy  toll 

Of  gold  or  silver,  nor  Matthias  grant. 
For  the  lost  oflSce  of  the  guilty  soul. 

Then  stay,  well  punisht,  and  be  vigilant 
In  guardianship  of  the  ill-gotten  gold 
That  made  thee  against  Charles  so  arrogant. 

And  were  I  not  forbid  to  be  so  bold, 

Because  of  reverence  for  the  Keys  Sublime 
Which  in  the  happy  life  thou  diddest  hold. 

Still  harsher  language  would  befit  my  rime: 

Pastors,  your  greed  afflicts  the  world;  it  brings 
Good  underfoot,  and  it  uplif teth  crime ! 


The  ex-Pope 
Nicholas  III 
who  is  speaking 
was  an  Orsini, 
whose  cogni- 
zance was  the 
"orsa"  {"ursa" 
she-hear) 


Referring   to 
Ciement  V,  the 
Frenchman, 
tool  of  Philip 
the  Fair.    See  2 
Maccahees, 
iv  and  v 


78  Inferno  \ 

Of  you  the  Evangelist  had  prefigurings,  \ 

When  her  that  sits  the  waters  did  he  view 
Committing  fornication  with  the  kings: 

She  with  the  seven  heads  begotten,  who  | 

From  the  ten  horns  her  sign  and  sanction  bore 
Long  as  her  spouse  dehght  in  virtue  knew.  ! 

A  god  of  gold  and  silver  ye  adore; 

And  from  the  idolaters  how  differ  ye,  ^ 

Save  where  they  one,  a  hundred  ye  implore?  ] 

This  donation      Ah,  Constantine,  to  what  iniquity 

of  Constantine  q^^^  birth— not  thy  conversion— that  domain 

ivas  at  a  later  ^  *' 

time  proved  to  be  Which  the  first  wealthy  Father  took  from  thee !"  \ 

^^fJ^cTt  And  while  I  sang  to  him  in  such  a  strain,  \ 
iorical  sources             Whether  that  frenzy  or  that  conscience  bit, 

Zd^'^'m-            ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  footpalms  struggled  he  amain.  i 
tons  translation  I  think  my  Leader  well  applauded  it, 

th^i^Z'T            He  listened  still  with  look  of  such  content  ; 
membered                   To  the  clear  accents  which  the  truth  befit. 

Thereon  to  take  me  up,  both  arms  he  bent,  I 

And  when  he  had  me  wholly  on  his  breast,  • 

Remounted  by  the  way  of  his  descent;  ; 

Nor  did  he  tire  of  holding  me  thus  pressed,  j 

Till  up  the  summit  of  the  arch  he  bare,  j 

Which  crosses  from  the  fourth  to  the  fifth  crest.  ; 

Here  he  laid  dowTi  his  charge  with  tender  care,  j 

Tender,  for  rugged  was  the  crag  and  steep,  ? 
That  goats  had  found  a  toilsome  passage  there : 

Thence  was  disclosed  to  me  another  deep.  i 

i 


i 

Looking  and  Walking  Backward               70  '. 

XX  \ 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  4.   Diviners.  \ 

Origin  of  Mantua  J 

New  punishment  must  needs  by  me  be  dirged,  j 

And  in  a  twentieth  lay  the  theme  pursued  1 
Of  the  first  Song,  which  tells  of  the  submerged. 

I  now  was  wholly  in  an  attitude  \ 

To  peer  down  into  the  disclosed  abyss,  ! 

Which  was  with  tears  of  agony  bedewed,  \ 

And  through  the  circling  vale  I  saw  at  this  j 
A  silent,  weeping  folk,  who  onward  pressed 

As  pace  in  this  our  world  the  litanies.  \ 

As  lower  down  en  them  my  sight  did  rest,  j 

Each  wondrously  distorted  seemed  between  \ 

The  chin  and  the  beginning  of  the  chest:  ^ 

For  every  visage  had  been  twisted  clean  i 

Round  to  the  loins,  and  backward  they  must  go,  \ 

Since  looking  forward  had  forbidden  been.  ' 

Thus  utterly  distorted  by  some  throe 

Of  palsy,  some  one  may  have  been  perchance;  ] 

I  never  saw,  nor  think  it  can  be  so.  : 

Imagine,  Reader,  so  God's  sufferance 

Permit  that,  reading,  thou  be  edified,  \ 

How  I  could  keep  unwet  my  countenance,  j 

When  near  at  hand  our  image  I  descried 

Contorted  so,  the  weeping  eyes  did  wet  | 

With  tears  the  hinder  parts  where  they  divide,  \ 

Truly  I  wept,  leaned  on  the  parapet  ^ 
Of  the  hard  bridge,  so  that  mine  Escort  said: 

"Art  thou  among  the  other  fools  even  yet.f^  \ 

Here  piety  lives  on  in  pity  dead.  j 

Who  is  a  greater  reprobate  than  one  • 

That  grieves  at  doom  divine.?*  Lift  up  thy  head,  j 

Lift  up  thy  head,  and  do  thou  look  upon  ! 

Him  earth  engulfed  before  the  Theban's  sight,  = 

Whereat  all  shouted:  *  Whither  dost  thou  nm,  j 

.It 


80 


Inferno 


The  soothsayer 
Amphiardus, 
in  the  course  of 
the  expedition  of 
the  Seven 
against  Thebes, 
was  swallowed 
up  by  the  earth. 
Dante  gets  the 
tale  from  the 
poet  Statins, 
whom  we  shall 
meet  in  Purga- 
tory 


The  Poet's  visit 
to  the  beautiful 
Lunigiana 
{named  from  the 
ancient  Etrus- 
can and  Roman 
Luni)  at  the 
foot  of  the  mar- 
ble snow  of  the 
Carrara  Moun- 
tains, is  com- 
memorated in 
the  lovely  eighth 
canto  of  Purga- 
torio 


This  long  di- 
gression, geo- 
graphically so 
vind  and  accu- 
rate as  to  the 
origin  and  situ- 
ation of  Man- 
tua, is  one  of 
the  few  passages 
not  vitally — at 
least  not  obvi- 
ously— con- 
nected with  the 
scheme  of  the 
whole.   No  other 
long  poem  has 
so  few  such  ex- 
crescences, 
whose  '^  moral  is 
in  being  fair'^ 


Amphiaraus?    Why  forsake  the  fight?' 

From  plunging  downward  he  was  only  stayed 
By  Minos,  who  lays  hold  on  every  wight. 

Mark  how  his  shoulders  to  a  breast  are  made ! 
Because  he  wished  to  see  too  far  before. 
Forever  backward  doth  he  look  and  tread. 

Tiresias  see,  who  altered  semblance  wore 

When  from  a  male  he  was  made  feminine. 
While  all  his  members  transformation  bore; 

And  afterward  he  had  to  strike  again 

With  wand  the  intertwining  serpents  two. 
Ere  he  regained  his  plumage  masculine. 

With  back  to  this  one's  belly  is  Aruns,  who 

In  mountain  land  of  Luni  (on  whose  height 
Drudges  the  Carrarese  who  dwells  below) 

Had  once  a  cavern  among  marbles  white 

For  his  abode,  from  which  he  could  behold 
Ocean  and  stars  with  unobstructed  sight. 

And  she  whose  locks  unfilleted  enfold 

Her  bosom  from  thy  sight, — the  hairy  coat 
O'er  all  her  skin  on  the  other  side  unrolled, — 

Was  Manto,  who  through  many  countries  sought. 
And  after  tarried  where  I  had  my  birth : 
Whereof  to  please  me  take  a  Uttle  note. 

After  her  father  had  from  life  gone  forth. 
And  Bacchus'  city  came  to  slavery. 
This  woman  for  a  long  time  roamed  the  earth. 

There  Ues  a  lake  up  in  fair  Italy, 

At  bottom  of  the  Alps  that  fence  Almain, 
Tyrol  above, — Benaco  names  that  sea. 

I  think  a  thousand  founts  the  Pennine  drain 
Of  water  which  within  that  lake  is  pent, 
Garda  and  Val  Camonica  between. 

There  is  a  middle  place  where  he  of  Trent 
Or  Brescia  pastor,  or  the  Veronese, 
Might  give  his  blessing,  if  that  way  he  went. 


Origin  of  Mantua 


81 


Peschiera,  fair  and  mighty  fortalice, 

Sits  where  lies  lowest  the  surrounding  shore. 
To  front  the  Brescians  and  the  Bergamese. 

There  whatsoever  cannot  tarry  more 

In  bosom  of  Benaco,  down  must  flow 

And  make  a  river  through  green  meadow  floor. 

The  waters  gathering  head,  as  Mincio, 
No  longer  called  Benaco,  flow  apace 
Far  as  Govemo,  falling  into  Po. 

Coursing  not  far,  they  find  a  level  place 

Where  in  a  wide  lagoon  they  stagnant  spread. 
And  where  in  summer  oft  is  noisomeness. 

Passing  that  way,  the  Virgin,  never  wed. 
Perceived  a  tract  of  land  amid  the  fen. 
Wholly  untilled  and  uninhabited; 

And  there,  to  shun  all  intercourse  with  men. 

Stayed  with  her  servants,  arts  of  magic  plied. 
Lived,  and  there  left  her  empty  body  then. 

The  people,  who  were  scattered  far  and  wide. 
Thereafter  gathered  in  that  place,  which  lay 
Defended  by  the  marsh  on  every  side. 

O'er  those  dead  bones  the  city  builded  they. 

And,  after  her  who  first  had  chosen  the  place. 
Called  it,  without  more  omen,  Mantua. 

Denser  therein  was  once  the  populace. 
Ere  ever  Casalodi  witlessly 
From  Pinamonte  suffered  such  disgrace. 

Hence  if  thou  ever  hear,  I  monish  thee. 
My  city  given  foundation  different. 
Let  falsehood  not  defraud  the  verity." — 

"Master,  thy  reasons  are  so  evident. 

And  so  lay  hold  of  my  belief,'^  said  I, 
"That  others  were  to  me  but  embers  spent. 

But  tell  me,  of  the  people  going  by. 

None  seest  thou  worthy  of  note?  for  to  their  woe. 
Only  to  that,  returns  my  inner  eye.'' — 


Referring  to  a 
bloody  coup 
(Titat  in  the 
course  of  which 
Pinamonte  first 
duped  and  then 
expelled  the  lord 
of  Mantua, 
Count  Casalodi 


82 


Inferno 


The  Man  in  the 
Moon  was  pop' 
vlarly  Cain  car' 
rying  a  bundle 
of  thorns,  the 
sorry  ^ fruit  of 
the  ground^  that 
he  harvested. 
The  sky  is  of 
course   invisible 
in  Hell,  but 
Dante  vnll  not 
forgo  his  astro- 
nomical allu- 
sion.   The  moon 
is  one  day  past 
the  full  and 
sinks  into  the 
sea  south  of 
Seville  {taking 
Jerusalem  as 
the  point  of 
observation). 
Thai  is,  it  is 
about  6  A.M. 


Whereon  he  answered :  "He  whose  beard  doth  flow 
Down  from  his  cheeks  upon  his  shoulders  dun, 
Was,  what  time  Greece  of  males  was  emptied  so 

That  in  the  cradles  tarried  almost  none. 

An  augur,  and  with  Calchas  gave  the  sign 
To  cut,  in  Aulis,  the  first  cable, — one 

Eurypylus, — thus  in  a  certain  line 

My  lofty  tragedy  records  the  name: 
Well  knowest  it  thou  who  knowest  each  verse  of 
mine. 

That  other,  in  the  flanks  so  light  of  frame. 

Was  Michael  Scott,  and  of  a  truth  he  knew 
Of  magical  deceptions  well  the  game. 

Guido  Bonatti  view;  Asdente  view. 

Who  now  would  wish  his  leather  and  his  awl 
Had  held  him, — all  too  late  repents  he  too. 

See  wretched  hags  who  let  the  needle  fall. 
The  spool  and  distaff,  for  divining  fain. 
With  herb  and  image  working  spells  withal. 

But  come,  for  with  his  thorns  already  Cain 

Doth  hold  of  both  the  hemispheres  the  bound, 
And  yonder  under  Seville  touch  the  main, 

And  only  yesternight  the  moon  was  round: 

Thou  shouldst  recall,  for  she  did  thee  no  wrong 
One  certain  time  within  the  wood  profound." 

While  thus  he  spake  to  me,  we  moved  along. 


3 
1 

Bosses  and  Grafters  83                          1 

XXI  '\ 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  5.  Barrators  I 

\ 

Discoursing  thus  of  matters  different  \ 

Whereto  my  Comedy  cares  not  to  hark,  j 

Holding  the  height,  from  bridge  to  bridge  we  went,  \ 

But  halted  other  vain  laments  to  mark  ^ 

In  Evil-pouches,  other  cloven  den;  \ 

And  there  I  saw  that  it  was  weirdly  dark. 

As  in  the  Arsenal  of  Venice,  men  j 

Boil  sticky  pitch  in  winter,  which  they  use  ! 

To  make  their  vessels  water-tight  again 
When  unsea worthy;  some  perhaps  may  choose 

To  build  anew, — some  make  it  their  concern  \ 

To  caulk  ribs  buffeted  in  many  a  cruise;  \ 
Some  hammer  at  the  prow,  some  at  the  stern, 

Some  fashion  oars  and  others  cordage  twine. 

And  some  to  mend  the  jib  or  mainsail  turn : 

Thus  not  by  fire,  but  by  an  art  divine,  ! 

Boiled  clammy  pitch  down  there,  which  every  side  j 

Smeared  over  the  embankments  that  confine. 

I  saw  it,  but  naught  else  therein  descried,  • 

Except  the  bubbles  which  the  boiling  raised,  i 

As  all  heave  up  and  then  comprest  subside. 

While  thither  downward  steadfastly  I  gazed,  ' 

"Beware !  beware !"  my  Leader  thus  began,  ' 

And  drew  me  forth  from  where  I  stood  amazed.  j 

Thereat  I  turned,  like  one  in  haste  to  scan  i 

The  very  thing  which  it  behooves  him  flee,  , 

And  whom  incontinently  fears  unman,  , 

So  that  he  puts  not  off  his  flight  to  see:  ;; 

And  there  I  saw  a  demon,  black  as  night,  \ 

Run  up  the  bridge  behind  my  Guide  and  me.  ! 

Ah,  how  ferocious  was  he  to  my  sight,  \ 

And  in  his  action  how  unpitying,  ;| 

With  open  wings  and  on  his  feet  so  light!  : 


84  Inferno 

His  shoulder,  which  was  high  and  tapering, 
A  sinner  with  both  haunches  sat  astride: 
That  fiend  the  tendons  of  the  feet  did  wring. 
Dante  here  gives  "Maltalons !"  pausing  on  OUT  bridge,  he  cried, 

Lucca,  as  he  Down  with  him,  while  I  go  for  more  beside 

SimaZit'' ""^  Unto  that  city  furnisht  with  them  so: 
many  other  Barrators  all  except  Bonturo, — if 

fSrw?"  You  offer  money,  make  they  Yes  of  No." 

to  him,    Santa    He  flung  him  down,  and  on  the  flinty  cliff 
of^tcTthe''  ^^^^  wheeled  about :  ne'er  gave  so  hot  a  chase 

Holy  Face  is  an  A  loosened  mastiff,  running  down  a  thief. 

TyZ^M^'  ^-^  That  sinner  plunged,  and  aired  his  back  apace; 
venerated  in  the  But  demons,  lurking  there  the  bridge  below, 

afst^uX>i  Cried:  "No  invoking  here  the  Holy  Pace! 

near  the  city       Here  swim  ye  not  as  in  the  Serchio : 
"^^ep^Twho  Therefore  take  heed,  unless  thou  mean  to  try 

should  say,— ail  Our  grapples,  not  above  the  pitch  to  show.'' 

Boss^Ti^&i^^     Then,  pricking  him  with  hundred  prongs,  did  cry: 
"Here  must  thou  dance  about  in  covert  guise. 
That,  if  thou  can,  thou  swindle  on  the  sly !" 
Cooks  make  their  scullions  do  not  otherwise. 

When  with  their  hooks  they  plunge  the  carcass  clean 
Down  in  the  caldron,  that  it  may  not  rise. 
Then  said  the  Master  good:  "Lest  it  be  seen 

That  thou  art  with  me,  do  thou  downward  cower 
Behind  a  block,  that  thou  mayst  have  some  screen; 
And  what  though  wrong  may  seem  to  overpower. 
Be  not  afraid,  for  I  these  matters  know. 
Having  been  in  such  wrangle  once  before." 
Beyond  the  bridge's  head  then  did  he  go. 

And  when  he  reacht  the  sixth  embankment's  crest 
He  had  full  need  a  steadfast  front  to  show. 
With  such  a  stormy  fury  manifest 

As  when  dogs  rush  upon  a  beggar  man, 

Who,  where  he  halts,  makes  quickly  his  request: 


Among  the  Demons  85 

Thus  from  beneath  the  bridge  those  demons  ran, 
And  turned  against  him  every  hook  and  rake; 
But,  "None  of  you  be  felons!"  he  began: 

"Ere  with  your  forks  ye  loose  upon  me  break, 
To  listen  to  me  send  ye  forward  one: 
Then  as  to  tearing  me  your  counsel  take." 

All  shouted  out:  "Be  Malacoda  gone!" 

And  halted:  whereupon  one  forward  goes, 
Saying,  "What  can  it  skill?"  as  he  came  on. 

"And  dost  thou,  Malacoda,  then  suppose, 

Thou  wouldst  have  found  me,"  said  that  Lord  of 

mine, 
"Safe  hitherto,  however  ye  oppose. 

Without  propitious  fate  and  Will  Divine? 

Let  me  pass  on,  for  Heaven  has  sent  behest 
That  I  show  some  one  else  this  road  malign." — 

Thereat  so  faUen  was  his  haughty  crest. 

That,  letting  fall  the  grapple  at  his  feet, 
"No  striking  now!"  he  shouted  to  the  rest. 

"O  thou!"  exclaimed  my  Leader,  "from  thy  seat 

Where  crouching  on  the  craggy  bridge  dost  hide. 
Now  unto  me  securely  make  retreat." 

Wherefore  I  moved,  and  promptly  sought  his  side; 
But  all  the  devils  sprang  toward  me  so 
I  trembled  lest  the  compact  were  defied. 

Even  thus  I  saw  the  soldiers  long  ago. 
By  compact  from  Caprona  issuing. 
Exhibit  fear  amid  so  many  a  foe. 

With  all  my  body  I  drew  up  to  cling 

Unto  my  Leader  close,  nor  turned  mine  eye 
From  off  their  look,  which  was  not  promising. 

Forks  leveled,  they  kept  saying:  "Shall  I  try 
And  touch  him  up  upon  the  hinder  side?" 
"Yes,  nick  it  into  him,"  was  the  reply. 

But  that  one  who  was  talking  with  my  Guide, 
Turned  about  quickly  and  commanded  thus: 
"Bide  quiet,  Scarmiglione,  quiet  bide!" 


86 


Inferno 


The  arch  was 
shattered  when 
Christ  after  the 
Crucifixion  de- 
scended into 
Hell.   It  is  now, 
therefore,  mid- 
forenoon  of  the 
Saturday  after 
Good  Friday, 
1300 


These  are  hu- 
morous travesties 
of  names  of 
Florentine  fam- 
ilies which 
Dante  regarded 
as  fair  game. 
To  this  day 
Florence  is 
noted  for  family 
names  which 
seem  humorous 
or  ironical 


Then :  "There's  no  thoroughfare,"  he  said  to  us, 
"Across  this  bridge,  because  the  sixth  arch  Hes 
Now  on  the  bottom,  wholly  ruinous: 

If  going  forward  still  to  you  seem  wise, 

Along  the  present  bank  ye  journey  may; 
Hard  by  there  doth  another  bridgeway  rise. 

Later  by  five  than  this  hour  yesterday, 

Twelve  hundred  six  and  sixty  years  their  line 
Completed  since  here  broken  was  the  way. 

Thither  I'm  sending  some  of  these  of  mine 
To  see  who  airs  him  in  the  pitchy  den : 
Go  with  them,  for  they  will  not  be  malign. 

Alichino  and  Calcabrina,  forward  then, 

And  thou  Cagnazzo,"  he  began  to  add; 
"And  Barbariccia,  do  thou  lead  the  ten. 

Libicocco  and  Draghignazzo  come,"  he  bade, 
"Tusked  Ciriatto  and  Graffiacane  too. 
And  Farfarello  and  Rubicante  mad. 

Explore  all  round  about  the  boiling  blue; 

Let  these  be  safe  to  the  next  bridging  way 
Spanning  the  dens,  a  craggy  avenue." — 

"Alas,  my  Lord,  what  see  I.^*" — did  I  say; 
"Go  we  alone  and  without  escort  now; 
If  thou  art  able,  none  for  me,  I  pray ! 

If  with  thy  wonted  heed  observest  thou. 

Dost  thou  the  gnashing  of  their  tusks  not  hear, 
And  see  them  threaten  mischief  with  their  brow.''"- 

And  he  to  me:  "I  would  not  have  thee  fear; 

Let  them  gnash  with  their  tushes  at  their  will. 
They  do  it  for  the  parboiled  wretches  there." — 

Upon  the  left-hand  margin  turned  they  still; 

But  each  began  by  thrusting  tongue  to  lump 
The  cheek,  as  signal  to  their  leader  ill. 

Whereat  he  made  a  trumpet  of  his  rump. 


Swimmers  in  the  Pitch                    87  I 

XXII  ] 

i 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  5.  Comedy  of  the  Devils  ^ 

I  have  seen  horsemen  into  battle  go. 

And  when  on  dress  parade,  and  striking  tent,  > 

And  scurrying  to  anticipate  the  foe;  '} 

And  foragers  who  on  you  made  descent,  i 

O  Aretines,  and  many  a  mounted  scout,  " 
Running  of  tilt  and  clash  of  tournament. 

With  boom  of  bell  and  blare  of  trumpet  shout. 

With  castle  beacons  and  with  drums  of  war,  ■ 

And  instruments  from  home  and  from  without :  i 

But  never  yet  to  bugle  so  bizarre  ] 

Did  I  see  horse  or  foot  set  forward  thus,  \ 

Nor  ship  by  any  sign  of  land  or  star.  \ 

On  went  we,  the  ten  demons  guiding  us :  j 

Ah,  the  fell  company !  but  in  the  fane  j 
With  saints,  in  tavern  with  the  gluttonous. 

Intent  upon  the  pitch  did  I  remain,  j 

To  see  the  whole  condition  of  the  moat  \ 

And  of  the  people  in  their  burning  pain.  j 

Like  dolphins  when  to  sailors  they  denote,  ! 

With  arching  body  bounding  into  sight,  j 

That  they  look  sharp  to  keep  their  ship  afloat:  ! 

So  ever  and  again,  for  easement  slight. 

Some  sinner  would  present  his  back  outside  I 

And  hide  it  fleeter  than  a  flash  of  light.  ] 

And  as  at  marge  of  flooded  moat  abide 

The  frogs,  and  let  the  nose  alone  protrude. 

So  that  their  feet  and  other  bulk  they  hide:  j 

Thus  upon  either  hand  the  sinners  stood;  \ 

But  fast  as  Barbariccia  came  their  way,  ] 

They  disappeared  beneath  the  boiling  flood.  * 

I  saw  (whereat  my  heart  quakes  to  this  day)  1 

One  lingering  thus — as  it  will  often  chance  j 

That  while  the  frogs  are  diving,  one  will  stay:  1 


88  Inferno 

Him  Graffiacane,  standing  near,  with  lance 

Hookt  in  his  pitch-entangled  locks,  updrew. 
So  that  he  seemed  an  otter  to  my  glance. 

(The  names  of  all  and  sundry  of  that  crew, — 
So  had  I  noted  them  when  they  were  picked 
And  Ustened  when  they  called, — ^by  this  I  knew.) 

"O  Rubicante,  see  that  thou  inflict 

Thy  talons  on  his  back  and  soundly  flay!" 
Shouted  together  all  the  maledict. 

And  I:  "Endeavor,  Master,  if  thou  may. 

To  learn  what  luckless  spirit  thus  doth  lie 
To  clutches  of  his  enemies  a  prey." 

My  Leader  up  beside  him  drawing  nigh. 

Demanded  whence  he  came,  and  this  his  word: 
"Born  in  the  Kingdom  of  Navarre  was  I. 

My  mother  placed  me  servant  to  a  lord. 

For  she  had  borne  me  to  a  worthless  blade. 
Destroyer  of  himself  and  of  his  hoard. 

Of  good  King  Tybalt  then  retainer  made. 
In  barratry  attained  I  mastership. 
Wherefore  down  here  hot  reckoning  is  paid." 

And  Ciriatto,  each  way  from  whose  lip 
A  tusk,  as  of  a  boar,  protruded  long, 
Gave  him  to  feel  how  one  of  them  could  rip. 

The  mouse  was  fallen  evil  cats  among. 

But  Barbariccia  locked  him  in  embrace. 
Saying:  "Stand  off  from  him,  while  I  emprong!" 

Then  to  my  Master  turning  round  the  face, 

Added:  "Ask  on,  if  thou  wouldst  have  him  show 
Yet  more,  before  the  other  fiends  deface." 

"Now  of  the  other  sinners,  dost  thou  know," 
My  Leader  said,  "any  Itahan  here 
Beneath  the  pitch?"  And  he:  "Short  while  ago 

I  quitted  one  who  was  their  neighbor  near; 
Would  I  were  still  with  him  in  cover  laid. 
So  neither  claw  nor  grapple  should  I  fear." 


Cruel  Sport 


89 


"We  bear  too  muchP  then  Libicocco  said, 

As  with  the  hook  he  caught  his  arm  amain, 
And,  rending,  bore  away  a  sinew-shred. 

And  Draghignazzo  for  a  grip  was  fain 

Down  at  the  legs;  whence  their  Decurion 
With  grim  demeanor  turned  and  turned  again. 

When  they  were  somewhat  pacified  anon. 

My  Guide  inquired  of  him,  without  delay. 
Who  ruefully  his  wound  was  gazing  on : 

"Who  was  that  soul  from  whom,  as  thou  dost  say, 
111  parting  madest  thou  to  come  abroad?" 
"'Twas  Friar  Gomita,"  answered  he  straightway, 

"He  of  Gallura,  adept  in  every  fraud. 

Who  had  in  hand  his  master's  every  foe. 
And  dealt  so  with  them  that  they  all  applaud: 

Taking  the  cash,  he  suavely  let  them  go. 
So  says  he;  by  no  petty  standard  clever 
In  office  jobbery,  but  hugely  so. 

Don  Michael  Zanche  of  Logodoro  ever 

Keeps  him  boon  compa'ny;  Sardinia  draws 
Them  on  to  wag  their  tongues  that  weary  never. 

But  look!  I  fear  that  other  fiend  because 

His  teeth  are  gnashing;  I  would  add  a  word. 
But  for  my  scurf  he  seems  to  whet  his  claws.'' — 

To  Farf  arello  turning  then,  who  stirred 

His  eyes  asquint  as  if  for  striking  home. 

Their  master  marshal  said:  "Off,  wicked  bird!" — 

"If  ye  would  see  or  hearken  all  and  some," 
The  frightened  spirit  re-began  thereon, 
"Tuscans  or  Lombards,  I  will  make  them  come. 

But  the  Maltalons  must  be  well  withdrawn 
Lest  my  companions  their  vendetta  fear. 
And  I,  not  stirring  from  this  spot,  for  one 

That  I  am,  will  make  seven  more  appear 

By  whistling,  which,  when  one  of  us  gets  out. 
Is  customary  signal  with  us  here." 


Gallura  and 
Logodoro  are 
two  of  the  Jour 
provinces  into 
which  the  Pisans 
divided  Sar- 
dinia.   Michael 
Zanche  was  vic- 
tim of  an  atro- 
cious crime  re- 
corded at  the 
dose  of  Canto 
xxxiii.    We 
meet  a  juM  and 
gentle  magis- 
trate of  Gallura 
in  Purg.  viii 


90  Inferno  ; 

■\ 

'\ 

Cagnazzo  at  these  words  perked  up  his  snout,  i 

Wagging  his  head,  exclaiming:  "Hear  the  thing 
The  knave  to  fling  him  down  has  thought  about !"         i 

Whence,  fertile  in  device,  he  answering 

Said:  "Over-knavish  am  I,  it  is  true,  ] 

When  I  procure  my  friends  more  suffering."  \ 

Ahchino  could  not  hold,  but  counter  to  \ 

The  others,  said  to  him:  "If  thou  depart, 
I  shall  in  no  wise  galloping  pursue. 

But  shall  above  the  pitch  on  pinions  dart:  \ 

Leave  we  the  ridge,  a  shelter  be  the  shore,  j 

And  see  what  match  for  us  alone  thou  art !"  i 

Reader,  new  sport  is  presently  in  store! 

Bended  their  eyes  the  other  way  all  these, — 
He  foremost  who  had  been  most  loath  before. 

Selected  well  his  time  the  Navarrese,  1 

Planted  his  foot-soles  firm,  and  in  a  flash 

Leapt,  and  releast  him  from  their  purposes.  ■ 

Alichino,  Whereat  they  all  with  self-reproaches  gnash,  j 

£r Zm'stion  He  most  who  made  them  so  discomfited;  : 

had  enabled  the  And  he  leapt  forward,  yelling :  "Not  so  rash !"  ; 

But  little  it  availed:  fear  faster  fled 

Than  wing  could  follow;  down  he  dove  amain. 
And  on,  with  upturned  breast,  the  demon  sped. 

Not  other  fashion  is  the  wild  duck  fain 

Dive  nimbly  down,  when  draws  too  nigh  the  hawk,        i 
Who,  ruffled,  wrathfuUy  flies  up  again.  \ 

But  Calcabrina,  furious  at  the  mock,  ] 

Followed  behind  him  flying,  in  delight  i 

At  this  escape,  the  scuffle  not  to  balk.  \ 

And  when  the  barrator  had  vanished  quite. 

His  claws  upon  his  fellow  turned, — whence  yond 
Above  the  moat  they  grappled  for  the  fight. 

But  the  other  was  a  sparrow-hawk  full  fond 

To  claw  him  well,  and  both  together  went  \ 

Plump  to  the  middle  of  the  boiling  pond.  j 


Navarrese  to 
escape 


Demons  Brought  to  Grief  91 

The  heat  caused  sudden  disentanglement; 

But  all  the  same  they  had  no  power  to  soar. 
So  wholly  did  the  pitch  their  wings  cement. 

Barbariccia,  woeful  with  the  rest,  made  four 
Incontinently  on  their  pinions  glide. 
With  hooks  and  all,  far  as  the  other  shore; 

Down  to  their  posts  they  dart  on  either  side 

And  stretch  their  forks  toward  the  limed  pair 
Who  were  already  cookt  within  the  hide: 

And  thus  we  left  them  in  embroilment  there. 


92  Inferno 

XXIII 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  6.  Hypocrites  under 
Copes  of  Lead 

Silent,  alone,  and  uncompanioned,  so 

Went  we,  the  one  before  and  one  behind. 
As  on  their  way  the  Minor  Friars  go. 
A  frog,  while       Upon  the  tale  of  iEsop  now  my  mind 
^r  ::tfean..  Was  to,  by  reason  of  the  present  fray, 

dives;  hut  seeing  Where  of  the  frog  and  mouse  we  fabled  find: 

Hte^Z^f "  "  For  not  ««''e  similar  are  Ay  and  Yea 
upon  both  Than  this  to  that,  if  with  attention  due 

The  outset  and  the  end  we  rightly  weigh. 
And  even  as  thoughts  on  other  thoughts  ensue. 
Now  out  of  that  was  bom  another:  thus 
My  former  terror  double  in  me  grew. 
For  I  was  thinking:  "These  because  of  us 

Are  flouted,  damaged,  and  at  naught  are  set. 
So  that,  methinks,  they  must  be  furious. 
If  rancor  should  their  evil  purpose  whet. 
They  will  come  after  us,  more  pitiless 
Than  dog  when  snapping  up  the  leveret." 
Already  did  I  feel  my  every  tress 

Stiffen  with  terror,  while  I  backward  peer 
Intently,  saying:  "Master  mine,  unless 
Thou  quickly  hide  thyself  and  me,  I  fear 
Maltalons,  for  they  hard  up)on  us  tread: 
I  so  imagine  them,  I  feel  them  near." 
"If  I  were  fashioned  out  of  glass  and  lead, 

I  could  not  catch  thine  outward  lineament 
More  quickly  than  thine  inward  now,"  he  said. 
"Even  now  thy  thoughts  among  my  own  were  blent, 
With  similar  action  and  with  similar  face. 
So  that  of  both  I  made  one  sole  intent. 
If  but  the  dexter  bank  so  slope  to  base 

That  we  may  down  to  the  next  pocket  go, 
We  shall  escape  from  the  imagined  chase." 


Escape  of  Virgil  with  Dante 


93 


He  had  not  yet  made  end  of  saying  so. 

When  I  beheld  them  come  with  wings  spread  wide, 
Not  far  away,  with  will  to  work  us  woe. 

Then  caught  me  up  full  suddenly  my  Guide 
(Even  as  a  mother  wakened  by  a  shout 
To  see  the  flames  enkindled  close  beside, 

Who  snatching  up  her  little  son  runs  out, 

And,  having  less  for  self  than  him  regard, 
Tarries  not  even  to  wrap  a  smock  about). 

And  from  the  ridge  of  the  embankment  hard 
Glided  face  upward  down  the  rocky  shore 
Which  on  that  side  the  adjacent  valley  barred. 

So  swift  through  sluice  slipt  water  nevermore 
The  wheel  of  any  bankside  mill  to  run, 
Even  when  nearest  to  the  floats,  as  bore 

My  Master  me,  that  border  land  upon. 
Lying  securely  claspt  upon  his  breast. 
Not  merely  as  his  comrade  but  as  son. 

Scarce  did  his  feet  upon  the  bottom  rest. 
Ere  our  pursuers  were  upon  the  hill 
Above  us;  but  all  fear  was  now  supprest: 

Because  the  Providence  Supreme,  whose  will 
To  the  Fifth  moat  their  ministry  ordained. 
Denies  all  power  of  leaving  it  and  skill. 

Down  here  we  found  a  painted  folk,  who  gained 

Their  circling  ground  with  steps  exceeding  slow. 
Weeping,  and  weary  in  aspect,  and  constrained. 

They  had  on  mantles  with  the  hoods  drawn  low 
Before  their  eyes,  and  fashioned  by  such  law 
That  in  Cologne  monastics  wear  them  so. 

Gilded  without,  they  dazzled  them  who  saw; 
But  were  within  of  lead,  so  loaded  down 
That  those  of  Frederick  were  light  as  straw. 

O  everlasting  mantle,  heavy  gown! 

We  went  along  in  their  companionship 
Leftward  once  more,  hearing  their  dreary  moan: 


Geoffrey,  Arch- 
deacon of  Nor- 
ivich,  had  a  cope 
of  lead  put  over 
his  head  and 
shoulders,  in 
which  he  was 
starved  to  death 
for  whimpering 
the  news  of  the 
excommunica- 
tion of  King 
John.  Evidently 
thai  heavy  pen- 
alty was  not 
invented  by 
Frederick  II 


94  Inferno  j 

But  with  the  weight  forspent,  that  fellowship  | 

So  slowly  came,  that  overtook  we  new  i 

Pilgrims  at  every  movement  of  the  hip.  1 

Wherefore  unto  my  Leader  I:  "Now  do  • 

Find  some  one  not  unknown  by  name  or  deed  ' 

And  thus  advancing,  let  thine  eyes  rove  too."  1 

And  one  who  gave  the  Tuscan  accent  heed,  \ 

Cried  to  us  from  behind:  "O  ye  who  race 
Thus  through  the  dusky  air,  now  stay  your  speed !       \ 

Perchance  thou 'It  get  from  me  the  wished-for  grace." —       * 
Whereat  my  Leader  turned  and  said:  "Now  stay. 
And  then  proceed  according  to  his  pace." — 

I  stopt,  and  by  their  look  saw  two  betray  \ 

Great  eagerness  of  spirit  to  advance;  ] 

But  the  load  hindered,  and  the  crowded  way. 

Having  come  up,  awhile  with  eye  askance  i 

They  gaze  upon  me,  but  their  words  control;  ' 

Then  say  between  themselves,  exchanging  glance :         j 

"He  seems  alive  by  action  of  his  jole:  j 

And  by  what  privilege,  if  they  are  dead,  i 

Go  they  divested  of  the  heavy  stole.?"  | 

To  me  then :  "Tuscan,  to  the  college  led 

Of  the  sad  hypocrites,  do  not  thou  scorn 

To  tell  us  of  thy  origin,"  they  said.  ! 

Then  answered  I:  "In  the  great  city  bom,  | 

I  by  the  river  of  fair  Arno  grew. 
And  have  the  body  I  have  always  worn.  \ 

But  who  are  ye  whom  I  behold  imbrue  j 

With  tear-distilling  sorrow  thus  the  cheek.'* 
And  what  the  pain  that  glitters  so  on  you?"  j 

And  one  replied  to  me:  "Of  lead  so  thick  j 

The  orange  hoods  are,  that  without  surcease  j 

The  weights  thus  cause  their  balances  to  creak.  ; 

Jovial  Friars  were  we,  and  Bolognese,  ' 

I  Catalan,  he  Loderingo  named,  i 

And  by  thy  town  together  for  its  peace 


Caiaphas  and  the  Pharisees 


95 


Taken,  where  but  a  single  man  is  claimed 
By  custom;  and  it  still  may  be  descried 
Around  Gardingo  how  we  should  be  blamed." 

"O  Friars,  your  iniquities  .  .  /^  I  cried. 

But  went  no  further,  for  there  struck  my  sight 
One  on  the  ground  with  three  stakes  crucified. 

Beholding  me,  he  writhed  with  all  his  might. 
Blowing  into  his  beard  with  many  a  sigh: 
But  Friar  Catalan,  who  saw  his  plight. 

Said  to  me:  "That  staked  felon  thou  dost  eye. 
Counseled  the  Pharisees  that  it  was  meet 
That  one  man  for  the  populace  should  die. 

He  is  laid  naked  and  across  the  street. 

As  thou  beholdest,  and  has  first  to  note 
Of  all  who  pass,  how  heavy  weigh  their  feet. 

His  father-in-law  is  staked  within  this  moat. 
And  so  the  others  of  that  Pariiament 
Which  for  the  Jews  was  seed  of  evil  fruit." 

Virgil  thereafter  I  beheld  intent 

With  wonder  on  that  spirit  crucified 
So  vilely  in  eternal  banishment. 

Then  to  the  Friar:  "Be  it  not  denied. 
So  please  you,  if  it  be  legitimate. 
To  tell  if  He  upon  the  right-hand  side 

Some  passage,  that  we  may  go  out  that  gate 
Without  constraining  any  angel  swart 
To  come,  and  from  this  bottom  extricate." 

"Still  nearer  than  thy  hope,"  said  he,  "doth  start 
A  bridgeway  from  the  belt  of  the  abyss. 
Spanning  the  cruel  valleys  overthwart. 

All  save  that,  broken,  it  bespans  not  this: 

Ye  can  ascend  the  wreck  that  heaps  the  ground. 
And  lies  aslope,  flanking  the  precipice." 

With  bended  brow  in  meditation  boimd, 

My  Leader  stood,  then  said:  "In  wicked  wise 
He  told  the  way  who  hooks  the  sinners  yond!" 


During  the  year 
when  these  two 
were  'partners  in 
the  mayoralty  of 
Florence  the 
palaces  of  the 
great   Ghibelline 
family  of  the 
Uberti  were 
razed.     The 
Gardingo  was 
anciently  a 
Longobard  for- 
tress, standing 
about  where  now 
is  the  Palazzo 
Vecchio  and  its 
Square 


Caiaphas  and 
Annas.     Virgil, 
here  represent- 
ing Rome,  would 
not  understand 


96  Inferno 

The  Friar:  "At  Bologna  many  a  vice 

I  heard  laid  to  the  Devil,  there  among 
That  he's  a  liar  and  the  father  of  lies." 

Then  went  my  Guide  with  larger  strides  along, 

While  wrath  somewhat  perturbed  his  aspect  sweet: 
Whence  I  departed  from  the  burdened  throng 

After  the  prints  of  the  beloved  feet. 


Climbing  out  of  the  Canon  97 

XXIV 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  7.    The  Robbers  and 
THE  Serpents 

In  that  young  year-time  when  the  sun  his  hair 
Tempers  beneath  Aquarius,  and  when 
The  nights  already  tow*rd  the  southland  fare, — 

The  hoarfrost  on  the  greensward  copies  then 
His  sister's  image  white,  but  by  and  by 
Abates  the  dainty  temper  of  his  pen, — 

The  husbandman,  who  sees  starvation  nigh, 
Rising  and  looking  out,  beholds  the  plain 
All  whitened  over,  whence  he  smites  his  thigh: 

Returning  in,  doth  to  and  fro  complain 

Like  one  who  cannot  mend  his  wretched  case; 
Then  out  he  comes  and  picks  up  hope  again. 

Beholding  how  the  world  has  altered  face 
In  Httle  while,  and  catching  up  his  crook 
Drives  forth  his  sheep  to  pasturage  apace: 

Thus  when  I  saw  perturbed  my  Master's  look 
Did  I  lose  heart,  and  thus  the  balm  applied 
Suddenly  from  the  wound  the  ailment  took. 

For  when  we  reacht  the  ruined  bridge,  my  Guide 

Turned  round  and  fixt  me  with  that  kindly  glance 
Which  first  I  saw  beneath  the  mountain  side. 

He  spread  his  arms  out,  and,  as  laying  plans 

Within  himself,  first  viewed  the  ruined  fell. 
Then  laid  his  hold  upon  me  to  advance. 

Like  one  who  labors  and  considers  well. 
Seeming  forever  to  provide  anew. 
My  Leader,  lifting  me  toward  the  swell 

Of  one  crag,  had  another  rock  in  view. 

Saying:  "Now  clamber  over  that  one,  but 
Try  first  if  it  be  firm  to  grapple  to." 

No  way  was  this  for  one  in  mantle  shut, — 
For  scarcely  we,  he  light  and  I  pusht  on. 
Were  able  to  ascend  from  jut  to  jut. 


This  is  not  the 
only  passage 
where  Dante 
shows  himself 
familiar  with 
mountain  climb-' 
ing.    He  had 
clambered  over 
the  weary  heights 
between  Lerid 
and  Turbia 
(Purg.  til), 
and  perhaps  over 
the  Alps  more 
than  once.     The 
allegory  here  is 
that  of  the  dif- 
fictdty  of  re- 
nouncing a 
course  of  dis- 
simidation 


98  Inferno 

And  were  it  not  that  in  that  quarter,  one 

Ascent  is  shorter  than  the  other,  I  know 
Nothing  of  him,  but  I  had  been  fordone. 

But  since  upon  a  slant  Malpouches  go 
All  to  the  entrance  of  the  lowest  Pit, 
So  must  the  site  of  every  valley  show 

One  bank  upreared  above  the  opposite: 

We  clomb,  however,  the  last  craggy  stair 
At  length,  which  from  the  ruined  cliff  is  split. 

My  lungs  so  utterly  were  milkt  of  air 

When  I  was  up,  no  farther  could  I  get; 
Nay,  sat  me  down  on  first  arriving  there. 

"Thus  now  behooves  that  sloth  aside  be  set," 
The  Master  said,  "to  fame  we  never  come 
Sitting  on  down  nor  under  coverlet. 

Which  wanting,  whoso  goes  to  his  long  home 
Leaves  of  himself  on  earth  as  little  trace 
As  smoke  in  air  or  in  the  water  foam. 

Up  then,  thy  panting  overcome  apace. 
With  spirit  that  will  every  battle  dare 
Unless  the  heavy  body  deep  abase. 

Behooves  thee  yet  to  climb  a  longer  stair: 

Suffices  not  that  forth  from  these  we  went; 
If  thou  hast  understood,  now  forward  fare." 

Then  up  I  rose,  and  showed  my  breath  less  spent 

Than  'twas  indeed,  and  said:  "Go  on  once  more,- 
Look,  if  I  be  not  strong  and  confident." 

Upward  we  took  our  course,  the  bridgeway  o'er, 
A  craggy,  difficult,  and  narrow  way, 
And  far,  far  steeper  than  the  one  before. 

Speaking  I  went,  no  faintness  to  betray. 

When  out  of  the  next  moat  a  voice  I  heard 
111  suited  aught  articulate  to  say. 

Of  what  it  said  I  do  not  know  a  word. 

Though  now  atop  the  arch  that  crosses  nigh; 
But  he  who  spake  appeared  to  anger  stirred. 


Burning  of  Vanni  Fucci  99  i 

I  had  bent  downward,  but  no  living  eye 

Could  through  the  darkness  to  the  deep  attain:  j 

"Master,  contrive  to  come,^^  said  therefore  I,  > 

"To  the  next  dike,  the  inner  wall  to  gain;  ' 

For  even  as  hence  I  hear,  but  cannot  heed,  { 

So  peering  down  I  shape  out  nothing  plain."  1 

To  this  he  said:  "No  answer  is  of  need 

Except  the  doing,  for  the  fit  request  j 

Should  tacitly  be  followed  by  the  deed." —  ] 

The  bridge  we  now  descended  from  the  crest  1 
Where  with  the  eighth  bank  it  united  stood. 

And  then  to  me  the  pouch  was  manifest:  ■ 

And  there  I  saw  so  terrible  a  brood  ' 

Of  serpents,  of  diversity  so  great,  > 

That  the  remembrance  still  freezes  my  blood.  '■ 

Let  Libya  with  her  sand  no  longer  prate :  | 

Though  Amphisboena,  Cenchres,  Pharese,  \ 
Chelydri,  Jaculi,  she  generate. 

So  many  plagues,  of  such  malignity,  i 

She  never  showed,  with  Ethiopia  wide,  l 

Nor  with  the  land  that  borders  the  Red  Sea.  I 

Amid  these,  cruelly  that  multipHed,  j 

Were  running  naked  and  affrighted  folk  \ 

Hopeless  of  heliotrope  or  place  to  hide.                       Heliotrope,  ■■- 

Serpents  the  hands  of  these  behind  them  yoke,  tr^hh^'  ^***" 

With  head  and  tail  transfix  them  through  the  loin,  which  so  turned      ^ 

And  into  knotted  coils  before  them  lock.  ^^^  *",'*'*  ^^y^ 

All,.  11'.         1  .  if^oi  the  wearer 

And  lo!  at  one  who  loitered  near  our  coign  became  innviUe 

Of  vantage,  sprang  a  snake  and  pierct  him  through  | 

Just  where  the  collar  and  the  shoulders  join. 
Never  was  I  so  quickly  written,  or  O,  • 

As  he  took  fire  and  burnt,  and  he  was  doomed 

All  into  ashes  dropping  down  to  go;  j 

And  then,  when  thus  upon  the  ground  consumed,  i 

The  dust  drew  of  itself  together  there,  ! 

And  suddenly  that  former  shape  resumed.  ! 


100  Inferno 

And  even  thus,  the  sages  great  declare. 
The  Phoenix  dies  and  then  is  Hfe  astir 
Again,  on  reaching  her  five-hundredth  year; 

Lifelong  no  grain  nor  grasses  pasture  her, 
But  tears  of  incense  and  amome  alone. 
And  her  last  winding-sheet  is  nard  and  myrrh. 

As  one  who  falls,  he  knows  not  how,  and  prone 
Upon  the  ground  by  force  of  demon  lies. 
Or  other  stoppage  that  enfetters  one. 

Who,  when  he  rises,  looks  around,  with  eyes 
Wholly  bewildered  by  the  mighty  throes 
Which  he  has  undergone,  and  looking  sighs: 

Such  was  that  sinner  after  he  arose. 

0  Power  of  God,  how  just  art  thou  to  men, 
That  showerest  for  vengeance  down  such  blows ! 

"Who  mayst  thou  be?"  my  Leader  askt  him  then; 

Whence  he  replied:  "I  rained  from  Tuscany 

Short  while  ago  into  this  cruel  glen. 
Life  of  the  brute,  not  man,  delighted  me, 

Mule  Vanni  Fucci,  bestially  propense: 

Pistoia  was  my  den,  and  fittingly." 
I  to  my  Leader:  "Let  him  not  sHp  hence. 

And  ask  what  crime  here  thrust  him  down  so  low: 

1  knew  him  man  of  blood  and  insolence." 
The  sinner  feigned  not,  hearing  me  speak  so. 

But  full  upon  me  bent  his  face  and  thought. 
And  colored  with  shame's  melancholy  glow; 

Then  said:  "It  grieves  me  more  that  I  am  caught 
In  misery  which  I  must  now  display. 
Than  when  I  from  the  other  Hfe  was  brought. 

To  thy  demand  I  cannot  say  thee  nay: 

I  am  put  down  so  deep  as  this  because 
I  robbed  the  Chapel  of  the  Fair  Array, — 

And  falsely  to  another  imputed  'twas. 

But  that  thy  joy  in  such  a  sight  abate 
If  ever  thou  escape  these  gloomy  jaws. 


Prophecy  of  Woe 


101 


Open  thine  ears  and  listen  to  thy  fate: 

Pistoia  shall  be  thinned  of  Blacks  at  first, 
Then  Florence  men  and  manners  renovate. 

Mars  out  of  Magra's  vale  with  thunderburst 
Arises,  in  black  clouds  embosomed  round, 
And  with  a  storm  impetuous  and  curst, 

A  battle  shall  be  fought  on  Picene  ground; 

Whence  sudden  shall  the  mist  be  riven,  so 
That  every  White  thereby  receives  a  wound. 

And  this  I  have  foretold  thee  to  thy  woe.^ 


The  thunder- 
storm of  war 
from  the  Valley 
of  the  Magra 
(Lunigiana)  is 
Moroello  Mala- 
sfina,  whose 
family  received 
and  protected 
Dante  in  1306. 
There  is  a  noble 
tribute  to  this 
family  at  the 
end  of  Purg.  viii 


i02 


Inferno 


An  insulting 
gesture  called  by 
Ancient  Pistol 
"the  fig  of 
Spain" 


The  serpents  in 
this  and  the  pre- 
ceding canto  are 
of  course  sym- 
bolic of  the 
stealthy  nature 
of  the  crime 
which  they 
punish 


XXV 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  7.  Transformations  of 
THE  Five  Patrician  Thieves 

As  soon  as  those  his  words  concluded  were, 

His  hands  with  both  the  figs  the  thief  upbends, 
Yelling:  "Have  at  thee,  God;  at  thee  I  square!" 

From  that  time  forth  the  serpents  were  my  friends. 
For  one  of  them  did  then  his  neck  entwist, 
As  who  should  say,  "Herewith  thy  speaking  ends!" 

Another,  coiling,  riveted  each  wrist. 

Clinching  in  front  of  him  to  such  degree, 
He  could  not  any  longer  jerk  the  fist. 

Ah,  why,  Pistoia,  dost  thou  not  decree 
To  burn  thyself  to  ashes  and  so  fall, 
Since  thy  ill  deeds  outdo  thine  ancestry? 

Throughout  the  dark  infernal  circles  all, 

I  saw  no  spirit  Godward  flaunt  such  pride. 
Not  him  who  fell  at  Thebes  down  from  the  wall. 

He  fled  away,  all  further  word  denied; 

Then  saw  I  come  a  centaur,  full  of  spleen: 
"Where  is,  where  is  the  callous  wretch.^"  he  cried. 

Harbors  so  many  serpents  not,  I  ween, 
Maremma,  as  he  had  his  back  along 
As  far  as  where  our  lineaments  begin. 

Behind  the  nape,  upon  the  shoulder  clung 

A  dragon  with  his  pinions  wide  outspread: 
On  every  one  he  meets  his  fire  is  flung. 

"That  one  is  Cacus,''  then  my  Master  said, 
"Who  in  the  cavern  of  Mount  Aventine 
Has  made  full  many  a  time  a  pool  blood-red. 

He  goes  not  with  his  brothers  in  one  line, 
By  reason  of  his  wily  practice,  when 
He  stole  the  neighboring  great  herd  of  kine: 

Wherefore  his  crooked  actions  ended  then 
Beneath  the  blows  of  Hercules,  who  plied 
Perhaps  a  hundred, — but  he  felt  not  ten." 


Merging  of  Snake  and  Man 


103 


While  thus  he  spake,  and  that  one  past  ns  hied, 
Lo !  underneath  us  came  there  spirits  three 
Whom  neither  I  perceived,  nor  yet  my  Guide, 

Until  they  shouted  to  us:  "Who  are  ye?" 

Whereby  our  story  to  a  stand  was  brought. 
And  them  alone  thereafter  heeded  we. 

And  now  it  happened  (for  I  knew  them  not). 
As  it  is  wont  to  happen,  that  one  shade, 
To  name  another  by  some  chance  took  thought. 

Exclaiming:  "Where  can  Cianfa  still  have  stayed?" 
Whence  I,  to  make  my  Guide  attentive  so. 
Upward  from  chin  to  nose  my  finger  laid. 

If  thou  to  credit  what  I  say  art  slow 

Now,  Reader,  need  there  be  no  wonderment, 
For  I,  who  saw,  can  scarce  consent  thereto. 

The  while  I  raised  my  brows  on  them  intent. 
There  darted  a  six-footed  serpent  out 
In  front  of  one,  and  grappling  with  him  blent. 

With  middle  feet  it  claspt  his  paunch  about, 

And  flimg  the  forward  ones  his  arms  around; 
Then  gashed  both  cheeks  of  him  the  gaping  snout. 

With  hinder  feet  outspread  the  thighs  it  bound, 
Thrusting  its  tail  between  them,  and  behind 
Upward  extending  it,  the  loins  enwound. 

So  never  did  the  barbed  ivy  bind 
A  tree  up,  as  the  reptile  hideous 
Upon  another's  limbs  its  own  entwined. 

They  clave  together, — ^hot  wax  cleaveth  thus, — 
And  interfused  their  colors  in  such  wise 
That  neither  now  appeared  the  same  to  us : 

Just  as  in  burning  paper  doth  uprise 

Along  before  the  flame  a  color  brown 

Which  is  not  black  as  yet,  and  the  white  dies. 

The  other  two  each  shouted,  looking  on, 
"O  me,  Agnello,  how  thou  alterest! 
Lo,  thou'rt  already  neither  two  nor  one!" 


The  manner  in 
which  Dante 
gradually    gath- 
ers, by  attentive 
listening  to  their 
talk,  the  names 
of  four  of  the  five 
Florentine 
thieves,  is  an  ex- 
ample of  his  un- 
obtrusive art. 
The  gesture  with 
the  finger  beside 
chin  and  nose  is 
frequent  in  Italy 


104  Inferno 

^Property  was     Already  the  two  heads  had  coalesced, 
ThaHh^Ilfwas  ^Vhe^eby  two  faces  seemed  to  be  compelled 

not  the  same.  Into  one  face,  wherein  were  two  supprest. 

^louhlfname     ^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  strips  quadruple  swelled; 
Neither  two  nor  The  thighs  and  legs,  the  chest  and  belly  grew 

mlled^'^  ^^  members  such  as  never  man  beheld. 

{"The  Phoenix    AH  former  aspect  there  was  canceled  through: 
mi      e     ur-  "J^^q  and  yet  none  the  shape  perverted  showed. 

And  such  with  tardy  steps  away  it  drew. 
As  the  eye-lizard,  under  the  great  goad 

Of  dog-day  heat,  from  hedge  to  hedge  again 
Darts  like  a  flash  of  light  across  the  road: 
So,  tow'rd  the  bellies  of  the  other  twain 
Darting,  a  little  fiery  serpent  went. 
Livid  and  tawny  like  a  pepper-grain. 
And  in  that  part  whence  first  our  nourishment 
We  draw,  it  one  of  them  transfixt,  then  down 
In  front  of  him  fell  back,  and  lay  distent. 
The  pierct  one  gazed,  but  language  uttered  none: 
Nay,  rather  yawned  and  never  stirred  a  limb. 
As  if  with  fever  or  with  sleep  fordone. 
He  eyed  the  reptile,  and  the  reptile  him: 

One  from  his  wound,  the  other  from  its  snout 
Smoked  fiercely,  and  the  smoke  commingled  dim. 
Be  still  now,  Lucan,  where  thou  tellst  about 
Wretched  Sabellus  and  Nasidius, 
And  wait  to  hear  what  now  shall  be  shot  out ! 
Of  Arethuse  be  still,  Ovidius! 

If,  fabling,  he  converts  her  to  a  fount, 
Cadmus  to  snake,  I  am  not  envious: 
Because  two  natures  never  front  to  front 

Has  he  transmuted,  so  that  both  forms  grew 
Each  o*er  the  other's  substance  paramount. 
In  such  wise  answered  each  to  each  the  two. 
That  to  a  fork  the  serpent  cleft  his  tail. 
And  the  stricken  one  his  feet  together  drew. 


Snake  and  Man  Exchange  Shapes  105 

The  legs  compacted,  and  the  thighs  as  well. 
In  such  a  manner  that  in  little  space 
The  juncture  left  no  mark  discernible. 

Now  in  the  cloven  tail  the  form  we  trace 
The  other  forfeited;  the  former*s  skin 
Elastic  grew,  the  other's  hard  apace. 

I  saw  the  arms  drawn  through  the  armpits  in. 

And  the  reptile's  two  short  feet  becoming  long 
By  so  much  as  the  arms  had  shortened  been. 

Thereafter  the  hind  feet  together  climg 

To  form  the  member  that  a  man  conceals, 

And  to  the  wretch  from  his,  two  feet  were  sprung. 

Now  while  the  smoke  with  a  new  color  veils 

The  one  and  the  other,  causing  hair  to  spring 
On  one,  which  from  the  other  part  it  peels, 

One  rose,  and  fell  the  other  groveling. 

Though  turning  not  aside  the  cruel  glare 
Whereunder  each  his  face  was  altering. 

The  erect  one  drew  his  where  the  temples  were. 
And  from  stuff  overmuch  that  thither  went. 
Ears  issued  from  the  cheeks,  hitherto  bare: 

And  what,  not  running  back,  remained  unspent. 
Sufficed  to  form  a  nose  unto  the  face 
And  give  the  lips  their  fit  apportionment. 

He  that  lay  prone,  thrust  forward  his  grimace. 
And  then  his  ears  into  his  head  are  drawn 
As  draws  the  snail  his  feelers  into  place. 

Lastly  the  tongue,  which  heretofore  was  one 

And  fit  for  speech,  is  cleft,  and  the  cloven  kind 
In  the  other  closes :  and  the  smoke  is  gone. 

The  soul  thus  with  a  reptile  form  combined. 
Exploding  hisses  fied  the  valley  through, 
And  the  other,  sputtering,  remains  behind: 

Then,  turning  to  the  snake  his  shoulders  new. 
Said  to  the  third :  "As  I  along  this  way 
Have  crawHng  rim,  will  I  have  Buoso  do." 


106  Inferno 

The  seventh  ballast  did  I  thus  survey 
Shifting,  reshifting:  here  let  novelty- 
Excuse  me,  if  my  pen  go  aught  astray. 

And  notwithstanding  that  mine  eyes  might  be 

Somewhat  bewildered,  and  my  mind  the'^same. 
Those  could  not  flee  away  so  covertly 

But  that  I  plainly  saw  Puccio  the  Lame: 

And  of  the  three  companions  did  he  keep 
His  form,  alone  of  those  at  first  who  came; 

The  other,  O  Gaville,  thou  dost  weep! 


Note 

The  last  line  refers  to  the  only  one  noi;  named,  possibly  out  of  con- 
sideration for  the  Cavalcanti  family,  to  which  he  belonged.  The 
spirited  peasantry  of  the  little  village  of  Gaville  had  killed  the 
scoundrel,  and  now  weep  the  vendetta  wreaked  upon  them  by  the 
family. 


Dante  Takes  to  Heart  the  Lesson  107  > 

XXVI  i 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  8.  Fraudulent  Coun-  ] 

sELORs:  Ulysses  \ 

Rejoice.  O  Florence,  since  thou  art  so  great. 

Thy  wings  are  beating  land  and  sea  around,  ' 

And  even  in  Hell  thy  name  is  celebrate. 
Among  the  robbers  five  like  these  I  found,  ^ 

Thy  citizens, — ^whereat  comes  shame  to  me,  - 

Nor  do  thy  honors  greatly  thence  abound. 
But  if  near  dawning  dream  be  verity,  j 

Within  short  while  from  now  shalt  thou  perceive 

What  Prato,  if  no  other,  craves  for  thee.  ■ 

If  it  must  be,  let  come  without  reprieve;  ] 

Serene  the  mind  when  of  the  worst  aware :  ] 

The  older  I  become,  the  more  'twill  grieve.  ! 

We  parted  thence,  and  up  along  the  stair  \ 

The  spur-stones  made  before  for  our  descent,  j 

My  Guide  remounted  now,  and  drew  me  there. 
And  as  the  soHtary  way  we  went  i 

Amid  the  crags  and  splinters  of  the  span,  • 

The  foot  without  the  hand  had  been  forspent. 
Then  sorrowed  I,  and  sorrow  now  again. 

When  I  direct  my  thought  to  what  I  viewed. 

And  curb  my  genius  from  the  course  it  ran,  • 

Lest  it  from  Virtue  turn  to  truanthood; 

So  that  if  favoring  star  or  higher  grace  i 

Have  given  me  aught,  I  forfeit  not  that  good.  \ 

During  that  season  when  from  us  his  face  '\ 

He  least  conceals  whose  light  the  world  doth  fill. 

What  time  the  fly  unto  the  gnat  gives  place,  ' 

The  peasant  who  is  resting  on  the  hill  '■ 

Sees  many  a  firefly  down  along  the  dale. 

Perhaps  where  he  doth  gather  grapes  and  till: 
With  flames  so  many  the  eighth  pit  of  Hell 

Was  everywhere  agleam,  as  I  beheld 

On  coming  where  I  saw  the  bottom  well.  ■, 


108  Inferno 

And  even  as  he  whom  bears  avenged  of  eld 
Looked  on  Elijah's  parting  chariot 
When  straight  the  way  to  Heaven  the  horses  held; 

For  with  the  eyesight  could  he  follow  not 

So  that  aught  other  than  the  flame  was  seen 
Flitting  aloft,  a  fading  cloudy  spot: 

Thus  moved  along  the  throat  of  the  ravine 

Each  flame,  for  none  of  them  the  theft  unlock. 
Though  every  flame  a  sinner  wraps  within. 

I  stood  to  look  upon  the  bridge  of  rock, 
Erect,  so  that,  did  not  a  jut  prevent, 
To  make  me  fall  had  been  no  need  of  shock. 

And  when  my  Leader  saw  me  thus  intent, 
He  said :  "The  spirits  in  the  fires  abide, 
Each  swathed  within  the  burning  element." 

"Through  hearing  thee,  my  Master,"  I  rephed, 
"Am  I  more  certain;  but  what  thou  dost  say 
I  had  surmised  and  would  have  asked,  O  Guide, 

Who  is  within  that  flame  which  comes  this  way. 
Whose  cloven  top  seems  rising  from  the  pyre 
Where  once  Eteocles  with  his  brother  lay?" 

"Ulysses  pines,"  he  said,  "within  that  fire. 
And  Diomed;  thus  neither  goes  alone 
In  punishment,  as  neither  went  in  ire: 

And  in  their  flame  together  do  they  groan 

The  ambush  of  the  horse,  whence  was  to  come 
The  noble  seed  by  the  old  Romans  sown; 

There  weep  the  guile  whereby,  though  dead  and  dumb, 
Deidamia  still  Achilles  wails; 
And  there  they  pay  for  the  Palladium." 
It  is  hard  not  to    "If  they  within  those  sparks  can  tell  their  tales," 
fhfZd^ry"  ^^^^  ^'  "^  Master,  much  I  pray  thee,  pray 

hearing  of  Until  my  prayer  a  thousandfold  avails, 

Dante,  despite      ji^at  thou  refuse  not  unto  me  to  stay 

his  yearning,  .  / 

Jrrnn  direct  Until  the  horned  flame  comes  hither  nigh : 

8j>eech  vnth  the  rj.^^^  g^^g^  ^j|.jj  ^j^^^  ^ggjj,^  j  ^^^^  ^YiSit  way." 


Last  Voyage  of  Ulysses 


109 


"Thy  prayer  deserves  all  praise,''  he  made  reply, 
"And  therefore  I  accept  it;  none  the  less 
Take  heed  thou  to  thy  tongue  all  speech  deny : 

Leave  me  to  speak,  for  I  already  guess 

What  thou  desirest.  Seeing  that  these  were  Greek, 
Perhaps  they  might  be  shy  of  thine  address." 

After  the  flame  with  the  divided  peak 

Had  come  where  time  and  place  to  him  seemed  due, 
I  heard  my  Leader  in  this  manner  speak: 

"O  ye,  within  one  fire  remaining  two, 
K  I  deserved  of  you  in  life,  if  I 
Or  much  or  little  merited  of  you 

When  in  the  world  I  wrote  the  verses  high, 
Do  not  move  on,  but  one  of  you  declare 
Whither,  being  lost,  he  went  away  to  die.'' 

One  horn,  the  mightier  of  the  ancient  pair. 
With  murmuring  began  to  quiver  then, 
Even  as  a  flame  made  weary  by  the  air. 

Waving  the  summit  back  and  forth  again. 

Thereafter,  like  a  speaking  tongue,  the  flame 
Flung  forth  a  voice  and  spoke  as  follows:  "When 

Of  Circe  I  had  taken  leave, — the  same 

Who  held  me  near  Gaeta  a  year  and  more. 
Ere  yet  ^Eneas  gave  it  such  a  name, — 

Nor  tender  love  of  son,  nor  pity  for 
My  aged  father,  nor  affection  due 
That  should  have  cheered  Penelope,  o'erbore 

The  ardor  that  was  in  me  to  pursue 

Experience  of  the  world,  that  I  might  be 
In  human  vices  versed  and  virtue  too : 

But  I  put  forth  on  the  deep  open  sea 

With  but  one  vessel,  and  that  little  train 
Which  hitherto  had  not  deserted  me. 

Both  of  the  shores  I  saw  as  far  as  Spain, 
Morocco,  and  Sardinia's  isle,  and  so 
The  other  islands  bathing  in  that  main. 


Greeks.    Like- 
wise Petrarch, 
although  a  half- 
century  nearer 
to  the  Renais- 
sance, never 
mastered  the 
language  of 
Homer.    Both 
looked,  like 
Moses  from 
Pisgah,  to  the 
land  of  heart's 
desire 


The  noble  tale  of 
Ulysses,  as  well 
as  the  preceding 
splendid  series 
of  images,  is  in 
refreshing  con- 
trast to  the  horri- 
ble scenes  we 
have  witnessed. 
Dante  owes 
nothing  to 
Homer,  whom 
he  could  not 
read.   It  is  in- 
teresting to  con- 
trast Tennyson's 
ornate  rehan- 
dling  of  this 
plain  tale 


110  Inferno 

I  and  my  company  were  old  and  slow 

When  in  upon  that  narrow  pass  we  bore, 
Where  Hercules  set  up  his  bounds  to  show 

That  man  beyond  might  venture  nevermore. 
Here  left  I  Seville  back  upon  the  right, 
And  had  left  Ceuta  on  the  other  shore. 

*0  brothers,'  said  I,  *who  are  come  despite 

Ten  thousand  perils  to  the  West,  let  none, 
While  still  our  senses  hold  the  vigil  slight 

Remaining  to  us  ere  our  course  is  run. 
Be  willing  to  forgo  experience 
Of  the  unpeopled  world  beyond  the  sun. 

Regard  your  origin, — ^from  whom  and  whence! 
Not  to  exist  like  brutes,  but  made  were  ye 
To  follow  virtue  and  intelligence.' 

With  this  brief  speech  I  made  my  company 
So  keen  to  go,  that  scarce  to  be  denied 
Would  they  have  been  thereafter,  even  by  me. 

And  having  turned  the  stern  to  morning-tide. 
For  the  mad  flight  we  plied  the  winged  oar, 
Steadily  gaining  on  the  larboard  side. 

Night  saw  the  constellations  more  and  more 
Of  the  other  pole,  and  ours  at  such  descent 
That  it  rose  not  above  the  ocean-floor. 

Five  times  rekindled  and  as  many  spent 

The  light  beneath  the  moon  did  wane  away, 
Since  to  the  passage  of  the  deep  we  went. 
The  mountain  is  When  there  appeared  to  us  a  mountain,  gray 
^pposed  to  be  ^-^Ij  distance,  and  upreared  a  loftier  brow 

that  of  Purga-  t  i      i  -i     i  i 

lory.  The  age  of  Than  I  had  ever  seen  until  that  day. 

the  great  voyag-  ^^  joyed,  but  joy  soon  turned  to  weeping  now, 
ers  was  yet  cits-  i«i. 

tant,  and  any-  For  out  of  the  new  land  a  whirlmg  blast 

thing  could  he  p^^^^  ^^^  struck  the  vessel  on  the  prow— 

imagined,  for        _,,    .  .  ,     ,  ,1    .        i  •  i    i  i        i. 

the  other  side  of    Thrice  With  the  waters  all,  it  whirled  her  fast; 

the  world  was  as  rpj^^  fourth  upheaved  the  stern  and  sunk  amain 

unknown  as  is  ^  1*1  mi        1 

the  other  side  of  The  prow,  as  pleased  Another,  till  at  last 

the  vwon  j^^  ^^g^jj  jjg^^  ^^^^^  ^g  ^l^gg^j  again.^* 


State  of  the  Romagna 


111 


xxvn 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  8.   Guido  da  Monte- 

FELTRO  AND  PoPE  BoNIFACE  VIII 

The  flame  became  erect  and  quiet  now 

To  speak  no  more,  and  now  was  passing  on. 
Nor  did  the  gentle  Poet  disallow; 

When  after  it  there  came  another  one 

Which  made  us  eye  its  summit,  whence  found  vent 
A  vague  and  indistinguishable  tone. 

As  the  Sicilian  bull,  which  with  lament 

Of  him  was  first  to  bellow  ('twas  his  due!) 
Who  gave  it  fashion  with  his  instrument. 

Bellowed  with  voice  of  every  victim  new. 
So  that,  for  all  it  was  of  brazen  plate. 
Yet  it  appeared  with  anguish  stricken  through: 

Thus,  having  at  their  source  not  any  gate 
Nor  outlet  from  the  fire,  into  its  mode 
Of  speech  were  turned  the  words  disconsolate. 

But  afterward,  when  they  had  found  a  road 

Up  through  the  point,  transmitting  it  the  same 
Quiver  in  passing  which  the  tongue  bestowed. 

We  heard  it  say:  "O  thou  at  whom  I  aim 

My  voice,  who  spakst  the  tongue  of  Lombardy, 
Saying, — *Now  go,  no  more  I  urge,  O  flame  !* 

To  pause  and  speak  be  irksome  not  to  thee. 
What  though  I  come  a  little  late  withal: 
Thou  seest,  although  I  burn,  it  irks  not  me. 

If  from  that  sweet  ItaKan  land  thou  fall 

But  now  into  this  world  of  blinded  souls, — 
For  thence  I  came  with  my  transgression  all, — 

Say,  have  they  peace  or  war,  the  Romagnoles? 
For  I  was  from  the  mountains  there  between 
Urbino  and  the  range  whence  Tiber  rolls." 

Still  was  I  bended  down,  with  eager  mien. 

When  now  my  Leader  touched  me  on  the  side. 
Saying:  "Speak  thou, — Italian  he  has  been." 


The  brazen  bull 
in  which  were 
roasted  alive  the 
victims  of  the 
tyrant  Phalaris, 
who  first  tested 
it  upon  its 
maker, — very 
properly,  sub- 
joins Dante 


112 


Inferno 


The  Polenta 
family  from 
which  had 
sprung  Fran- 
cesca,  and  which 
was  to  be 
Dante's  best 
shield 

Forli,  where  a 
French  army 
had  suffered 
Uoody  defeat  by 
the  person  ad- 
dressed 

The  Malatesta 
of  Rimini,  the 
bloody,  treacher- 
071S  tyrants  to 
whose  fangs  poor 
Francesco  had 
been  thrown 


Faenza  and 
Imola,  as  well 
as  Cesena,  are 
named  by  their 
rivers.  As  in  the 
case  of  Forli  the 
cognizance  of  the 
ruling  family  is 
mentioned 

Guido  da  Mon- 
tefeltro,  the 
astute  Christian, 
is  contrasted  to 
his  disadvantage 
with  the  noble 
pagan  Ulysses. 
There  is  another 
contrast  between 
Ouido  and  his 
son  Buonconte 
in  Purgatory 
(Canto  v). 
These  are  three 
of  the  longer 
iales  in  the 
Poem 


And  I,  well  knowing  what  should  be  replied. 
Began  to  speak  to  him  with  ready  mind: 
"O  spirit,  thou  who  there  below  dost  hide, 

Never  was  thy  Romagna  uninclined 

Within  her  tyrants*  hearts  to  battle-play; 
But  now  I  left  no  open  war  behind. 

As  many  a  year,  Ravenna  stands  today: 
The  eagle  of  Polenta  so  doth  brood 
That  with  her  wings  she  covers  Cervia. 

The  town  that  gave  proof  of  long  fortitude, 

And  in  a  bloody  heap  the  Frenchmen  threw, 
Beneath  the  Green  Paws  finds  herself  again. 

Verruchio's  ancient  Mastiff  and  the  new, 
Who  ill  disposal  of  Montagna  made. 
Still  flesh  their  fangs  where  they  are  wont  to  do. 

Lamone's  and  Santerno's  towns  are  swayed 
Under  the  Lioncel  of  the  white  lair, 
From  summer  to  winter  time  a  renegade. 

And  she  whose  flank  is  bathed  by  Savio  fair. 

Even  as  she  lies  between  the  plain  and  mount, 
Lives  between  tyranny  and  freedom  there. 

Now  who  thou  art  thyself  do  thou  recount : 
Be  not  more  stubborn  than  another,  pray. 
So  may  thy  name  long  in  the  world  hold  front." 

After  the  fire  in  its  peculiar  way 

Had  roared  awhile,  the  pointed  tip  was  quaking 
Hither  and  thither,  and  the  breath  did  say : 

"If  I  supposed  myself  as  answer  making 
To  one  who  ever  could  return  on  high 
Into  the  world,  this  flame  should  stand  unshaking: 

But  since  none  from  this  yawning  cavity 
Ever  returned  alive,  if  truth  I  hear, 
Fearless  of  infamy,  do  I  reply. 

I  was  a  man  of  arms,  then  Cordelier, 

Hoping  to  make  amends,  begirded  so: 
And  this  my  hope  was  coming  true,  no  fear, 


Boniface  Absolves  Guido                 113  j 

But  for  the  Priest  Supreme,  betide  him  woe!  J 

Who  put  me  back  into  my  sins  of  old;  ; 

And  how  and  wherefore  I  would  have  thee  know.  ^ 

While  I  was  yet  a  tenant  of  that  mold  ' 

Of  bone  and  pulp  my  mother  gave,  my  bent 

Was  ever  of  the  fox,  not  lion-bold.  ^ 

I  knew  all  wiles  and  ways  to  circumvent,  { 

And  plied  the  craft  of  them  with  such  avail  | 

That  to  the  ends  of  earth  the  rumor  went.  ] 

When  I  began  to  feel  the  years  prevail,  I 

Arrived  that  time  of  life  when  one  had  need  i 

To  coil  the  tackle  up  and  take  in  sail,  ' 
What  pleased  before,  now  grieved  me:  so  with  heed 

To  penance  and  confession  I  withdrew; 

Ah,  hapless!  and  it  had  availed  indeed. 
The  Prince  of  the  new  Pharisees,  in  view 

Of  Lateran,  having  a  war  in  hand, —  < 

And  not  with  Saracen,  and  not  with  Jew,  \ 

For  all  his  enemies  were  Christian,  and  j 

Not  one  of  them  at  Acre's  fall  was  nigh,  1 

Nor  yet  a  trader  in  the  Soldan's  land, — 

Neither  his  Holy  Orders  nor  his  high  j 

Office  regarded,  nor  that  cord  of  mine 

Which  used  to  make  more  lean  those  girt  thereby. 

But  as  within  Soracte,  Constantine  ; 

Besought  Sylvester  heal  his  leprosy. 

Likewise,  his  fevered  pride  to  medicine,  j 

Did  this  man  seek  out  as  physician  me :  = 

Counsel  he  craved,  and  I  deemed  silence  just,  ] 

Because  his  language  drunken  seemed  to  be.  I 

At  length  he  said :   *Let  not  thy  heart  mistrust;  , 

Henceforward  I  absolve  thee:  teach  me  how 

To  level  Palestrina  with  the  dust.  i 

I  have  the  power  to  shut,  as  knowest  thou,  i 

And  open  Heaven :   whence  double  are  the  keys  ] 

Which  my  foregoer  held  not  dear  enow.'  ] 


114 


Inferno 


So  the  King  in 
Hamlet  reasons: 
"May  one  be 
pardoned  and 
retain  the 
offense?" 


Constrained  me  weighty  arguments  like  these, 
To  such  a  point  that  silence  seemed  unfit: 
Tather,  since  thou  assurest  me  release 

From  that  transgression  which  I  must  commit. 
Long  promise  with  short  keeping,*  so  I  said, 
*Will  make  thee  triumph  in  thy  lofty  Seat.* 

Saint  Francis  came  for  me,  when  I  was  dead; 
But  shouted  one  of  the  black  Cherubim: 
*Convey  him  not,  nor  wrong  me;  for  instead 

He  must  go  down  among  my  minions  grim. 
Because  he  gave  the  counsel  fraudulent. 
From  which  time  forth  I  have  been  dogging  him. 

For  none  can  be  absolved  but  he  repent. 
Nor  can  a  man  repent  and  will  withal. 
For  contradictories  do  not  consent.* 

Alas  for  me !  O  how  I  trembled  all 

What  time  he  took  me,  saying:  *Can  it  be 
Thou  didst  not  think  that  I  was  logical?' 

Down  unto  Minos  then  he  carried  me. 

Who  twined  with  eightfold  tail  his  stubborn  frame. 
And,  after  he  had  gnawed  it  furiously. 

Said:  **Tis  a  sinner  for  the  thievish  flame*: 

Whence,  where  thou  seest  me,  am  I  forlorn. 
And,  going  thus  attired,  bemoan  my  shame." 

When  he  had  thus  his  testimony  borne. 

The  flame  with  anguisht  utterance  withdrew. 
Twisting  about  and  tossing  the  sharp  horn. 

We  passed  along,  my  Guide  and  I,  up  to 

The  next  arch  of  the  viaduct,  whence  showed 
That  moat  of  Hell  wherein  is  paid  their  due 

To  those  who,  severing,  make  up  their  load. 


Mohammed 


115 


xxvm 

Eighth  Circle:  Pouch  9.  Sowers  of  Discord 

Who  ever  in  words  released  from  laws  of  rime 
Could  fully  of  the  blood  and  wounds  report 
That  now  I  saw,  though  telling  many  a  time? 

Every  tongue  would  certainly  fall  short, 

Because  the  heart  and  speech  of  humankind 
Have  Httle  compass  to  contain  such  hurt. 

Could  ever  all  the  people  be  combined 

Who  in  Apulia  wept  their  blood  poured  out 
Upon  the  fateful  land  time  out  of  mind 

By  Trojans,  and  in  that  long  war,  the  rout 
Which  issued  in  the  mighty  spoil  of  rings, 
As  Livy  writes,  whose  word  we  cannot  doubt; 

With  those  who  bore  the  brunt  of  buffetings 
Resisting  Robert  Guiscard;  and  that  horde 
Whose  bones  the  plowshare  to  this  day  upflings 

At  Ceperano,  where  each  Apulian  lord 

Proved  faithless;  and  at  TagUacozzo's  field 
Where  aged  Erard  conquered  without  sword: 

And  all  their  mutilated  Umbs  revealed. 

It  would  be  naught  to  that  dismemberment 
In  the  ninth  pouch  obscenely  unconcealed. 

No  cask  that  middle  board  or  stave  forwent 
Was  ever  cleft  so  wide  as  one  I  saw 
Ript  from  the  chin  clean  down  to  fxmdament: 

Between  the  legs  hang  down  the  viscera; 

The  pluck  appears,  the  wretched  sack  I  see 
That  turns  to  ordure  what  goes  in  the  maw. 

While  I  am  all  intent  upon  him,  he 

Observes  me,  and  both  hands  in  breast  he  plants. 
Saying:  "Behold  how  I  dismember  me; 

How  mangled  is  Mohammed !  In  advance 
Of  me  goes  Ah  uttering  his  woe. 
Cleft  chin  to  forelock  in  the  countenance. 


Trojans  for 
Romans;  the 
rings  picked  up 
on  the  field  of 
CanncB;  Robert 
Guiscard,  Nor- 
man conqueror 
of  Apulia;  Ce- 
perano is  per- 
haps a  mistake 
of  the  poet,  the 
only  great  hatde 
of  the  campaign 
referred  to  is 
Benevento 
(Purg.  Hi), 
where  Manfred 
was  deserted  by 
the  Apulians; 
Ta^liacozzo, 
where  young 
Conradin, 
nephew  of  Man- 
fred, was  cap- 
tured, was 
gained  by  the 
prudence  of  the 
Frenchman 
Erard  de  ValSry 


116 


Inferno 


Fra  Dolcino 
loiahed  to  lead 
men  back  to 
apostolic  sim- 
plicity  and  was 
cruelly  punished 
after  having 
made  a  brave 
fight 


And  all  the  rest  thou  se^  here  did  sow 

Scandal,  while  living,  and  schismatic  feud. 
And  therefore  are  they  cleft  asunder  so. 

A  devil  is  behind  us,  who  with  crude 

Cleavage  is  carving,  to  the  edge  of  sword 
Putting  each  member  of  this  multitude. 

When  we  have  circled  round  the  path  abhorred; 
For  lo !  the  gashes  reunited  are 
Ere  we  revisit  that  infernal  lord. 

But  who  art  thou  who  musest  on  the  scar. 
Perchance  because  reluctant  to  go  hence 
To  punishment,  self -sentenced  at  the  bar?" — 

*^Death  has  not  reacht  him  yet,  nor  has  offense," 
My  Master  answered,  "to  this  torment  led; 
But  to  procure  him  full  experience, 

It  is  my  bounden  duty,  who  am  dead. 

To  lead  him  down  through  Hell  from  round  to  round ; 
As  I  speak  with  thee,  this  is  truly  said." 

More  than  a  hundred,  when  they  heard  this  sound, 
Stood  still  within  the  moat  at  me  to  peer, 
Forgetting  in  their  wonder  every  wound. 

"Well  then,  to  Fra  Dolcin  this  message  bear. 

Since  thou,  perchance,  wilt  shortly  see  the  sun, 
That  if  he  would  not  quickly  join  me  here. 

Let  him  be  armed  with  food,  or  be  undone 

By  the  Novarese,  because  of  stress  of  snow : 
Else  were  their  victory  not  so  lightly  won." 

When  he  had  lifted  up  one  foot  to  go, 

Mohammed  spoke  to  me  such  words  as  those. 
Then  stretcht  it  to  the  ground,  departing  so. 

Another,  who  with  slitted  gullet  goes. 
And  who  withal  has  but  a  single  ear. 
And  close  beneath  the  eyebrows  cleft  the  nose. 

Stopping  for  wonder  with  the  rest  to  stare. 
Opened  before  that  mutilated  throng 
His  gullet,  which  was  crimson  everywhere. 


Curio,  Mosctty  Bertran  de  Born 


117 


And  said:  "O  thou  by  pangs  of  guilt  unwrung, 
Whom  up  in  Latin  country  long  ago 
I  saw,  unless  undue  resemblance  wrong, 

Remember,  Pier  da  Medicina*s  woe 

If  thou  retiu'n  to  see  the  lovely  plain 
That  from  Vercelli  slopes  to  Marcabo. 

And  speaking  then  to  Fano's  worthiest  twain, 
Ser  Guido  and  Ser  Angiolello,  say 
That,  if  our  foresight  here  be  nothing  vain. 

With  sack  and  stone  shall  they  be  cast  away 
Out  of  their  ship,  by  a  fell  tyrant's  guile. 
And  perish  hard  by  La  Cattolica. 

From  Cyprus  westward  to  Majorca's  isle. 

Saw  never  Neptune  so  great  outrage  done 
By  pirates  or  Argolic  folk  erewhile. 

That  traitor  who  sees  only  with  the  one. 

And  lords  the  city,  sight  of  which  one  here 
Would  be  delighted  never  to  have  known, 

Will  summon  them  in  parley  to  appear; 

Then  so  will  deal  that  neither  vow  shall  be 
Required  against  Focara's  wind,  nor  prayer." 

And  I  to  him:  "Show  and  declare  to  me. 

If  thou  wouldst  fain  that  word  of  thee  be  brought, 
Him  who  deplores  that  sight  so  bitterly." 

Therewith  on  a  companion's  jaw  he  caught, 

And  with  rude  hand  the  mouth  he  open  rent. 
Crying:  "This  is  the  wight,  and  he  speaks  not; 

This,  this  is  he  who,  being  in  banishment, 

Quencht  doubt  in  Csesar,  saying:  *To  men  prepared 
Delay  was  ever  found  a  detriment.' " 

Oh,  how  disconsolate  to  me  appeared. 

With  tongue  asunder  in  his  gullet  lopt. 
Curio,  who  in  his  speech  so  greatly  dared! 

And  one  whose  hands  from  both  his  wrists  were  chopt. 
The  stumps  uplifting  so  athwart  the  gloom 
That  blood  upon  the  face  defiling  dropt. 


This  tyrant  who 
sees  but  toith  one 
eye  is  Mala- 
testino,  now 
tyrant  of  Rimi- 
ni, where  Curio 
had  advised 
C(Bsar  not  to 
delay  his  ad- 
vance on  Rome. 
Focara  is  a 
squally  headland 
on  the  Adriatic 
near   La   Catto- 
lica, between 
Rimini  and 
Fano 


118 


Inferno 


Mosca  of  the 
Lamberti  clan 
was  he  who  ad- 
vised the  murder 
of  young  Buon- 
delmonte,  to 
which  the  origin 
of  the  great  feud 
of  the  Guelfs  and 
Ghibellines  was 
attributed  by 
tradition.  See 
Paradiso  xvi 


This  Provenqal 
poet  was  the 
friend  of  Henry, 
called  the  young 
King,  eldest  son 
of  Henry  II  of 
England 


Cried  out:  "To  memory  let  Mosca  come, 

Who  said,  alas !  *A  thing  once  done  is  sped  !* 
Which  was  to  Tuscan  people  seed  of  doom." 

"And  death  to  all  thy  kin,"  I  adding  said: 

Whereon  he  went  like  person  crazed  with  rue, 
Heaping  up  sorrow  upon  sorrow's  head. 

But  I  remained  to  look  upon  that  crew. 
And  saw  a  thing  I  should  feel  insecure 
Even  to  tell  without  assurance  new. 

If  Conscience  did  not  wholly  reassure. 

That  good  companion  which  emboldens  man 
Beneath  the  conscious  helm  of  being  pure. 

I  truly  saw,  and  seem  to  see  again 

A  headless  body  going  by,  as  passed 
The  others  of  that  melancholy  train; 

And  dangled  by  the  tresses  holds  he  fast 

The  severed  head,  which  like  a  lantern  shows. 
And  groans,  "Woe  me!"  gazing  at  us  aghast. 

Of  self  he  made  himself  a  lamp, — and  those 

Were  two  in  one,  and  one  in  two  were  they; 
How  that  can  be.  Who  so  ordains.  He  knows. 

Arriving  just  below  the  bridging  way. 

The  arm  with  head  and  all  uphfted  he. 
To  bring  the  nearer  what  he  had  to  say. 

Which  was :  "Now  see  the  grievous  penalty. 

Thou  who  to  view  the  dead  dost  breathing  go. 
If  any  be  as  great  as  this  one,  see ! 

And  that  thou  mayst  bear  tidings  of  me,  know, 
Bertran  de  Born  am  I,  who  counsel  fell 
Did  craftily  on  the  young  king  bestow, — 

Made  son  and  father  each  to  each  rebel : 
Not  upon  Absalom  and  David  more 
With  wicked  promptings  wrought  Ahithophel. 

Because  I  parted  those  so  bound  of  yore. 

Woe  worth  the  day,  I  carry  now  my  brain 
Cleft  from  its  source  within  my  body's  core. 

Thus  retribution  doth  in  me  obtain." 


Vendetta 


119 


Eighth  Circle: 


XXIX 

Pouch  10.   Counterfeiters 
OF  Metals 


The  many  people  and  strange  wounds  did  steep 

Mine  eyes  with  tears,  and  made  them  drunken  so 
That  they  were  craving,  but  to  stay  and  weep. 

But  Virgil  asked  me:  "Whereon  gazest  thou? 
What  may  it  be  that  still  thy  sight  beguiles 
To  rest  upon  sad  mangled  shades  below? 

Thou  wast  not  wont  to  do  so  otherwhiles : 

Consider,  wouldst  thou  make  the  count  complete. 
The  valley  circles  two  and  twenty  miles, 

An^  now  the  moon  is  underneath  our  feet; 

Brief  is  the  time  vouchsafed  us  for  the  way. 
And  more  to  see  than  here  thy  glances  meet." 

"Hadst  thou  but  heeded,"  did  I  answering  say, 
"The  reason  why  my  gaze  was  bended  there, 
Perchance  thou  wouldst  have  granted  longer  stay." 

Already  did  my  Leader  forward  fare, 
I  following  while  making  my  reply. 
Subjoining  then  thereto:  "Within  that  lair 

Whereon  so  steadfastly  I  bent  mine  eye. 

Me  thinks  a  spirit  of- my  blood  complains 
About  the  crime  that  costs  down  there  so  high." 

Then  said  the  Master:  "Baffle  not  thy  brains 

Henceforth  with  anxious  thought  concerning  this; 
Mind  other  thing,  although  he  there  remains: 

For  him  I  saw  beneath  the  pontifice 

Menacing  thee  with  finger  vehement; 
Geri  del  Bello  named  in  the  abyss. 

But  thou  wast  at  that  moment  all  intent 

On  him  who  once  held  Hautefort, — ^thus  the  name 
Thou  heardst  not,  nor  didst  look,  until  he  went.** 

"Dear  Guide,  the  violent  death  that  on  him  came. 
For  which,"  said  I,  "unpaid  remains  the  score, 
By  any  one  a  partner  in  the  shame, 


The  falsifiers  of 
four  different 
kinds  {alche- 
mistSy  impostors, 
debasers  of  coin, 
malicious  liars) 
are  afflicted  with 
disguising  or 
deforming  dis- 
eases. As  every- 
where, there  is 
some  congruity    . 
of  punishment 
and  sin.    Here, 
as  at  the  close  of 
the  next  canto, 
Virgil  takes 
Dante  to  task  for 
being  too  deeply 
absorbed.  Dan- 
te's apparent 
adhesion  to  the 
un-Christian 
custom  of  Ike 
vendetta  is  one 
of  the  several  in- 
consistencies be- 
tween creed  and 
sentiment,  with- 
out which  he 
would  not  be 
like  all  the  rest 
of  us 


no 


Inferno 


Undrained 
vialorial  regions. 
The  Tuscan 
Maremma,  so 
often  referred  to, 
is  the  wild  moor- 
land country 
near  the  sea- 
board southwest 
of  Siena.     The 
river  Chiana 
stagnated  in  the 
region  between 
Tiber  and  Arno, 
where  Lake 
Trasimene  lies. 
The  Arno,  in- 
deed, once  flowed 
into  the  Tiber. 
The  region  is 
now  drained 


Made  him  indignant;  whence  he  passed  before 
Getting  speech  with  me,  if  I  guess  aright, 
And  so  has  made  me  pity  him  the  more." 

Thus  we  conversed  as  far  as  the  first  height 

Which  from  the  bridge  the  neighbor  valley  shows 
Quite  to  the  bottom,  were  there  but  more  light. 

When  we  were  over  the  last  cloister-close 
Of  the  Malpouches,  so  that  to  our  view 
All  its  lay  brothers  could  themselves  disclose, 

Strange  lamentations  pierced  me  through  and  through, 
Which  had  their  arrows  barbed  with  pity  all: 
Whence  with  my  hands  I  shut  mine  ears  thereto. 

If  from  Chiana's  every  hospital, 

'Twixt  July  and  September,  all  the  sick, 
Maremma's  and  Sardinia's  withal. 

Were  in  one  trench  together  crowded  thick : 
So  woeful  was  it  here,  and  such  a  scent 
As  out  of  putrid  limbs  is  wont  to  reek. 

Upon  the  final  bank  we  made  descent 

From  the  long  bridge,  and  still  did  leftward  fare ; 
And  then  my  vision,  growing  keener,  went 

Down  tow'rd  the  bottom  of  the  pocket,  where 
The  High  Lord's  handmaid.  Equity  condign. 
Punishes  falsifiers  apportioned  there. 

It  was  no  greater  sorrow,  I  opine. 

To  see  iEgina's  people  all  infirm, — 
What  time  the  atmosphere  was  so  malign 

That  animals,  down  to  the  httle  worm. 

Fell  stricken,  and  the  ancient  people  then. 
As  poets  for  a  certainty  affirm. 

Were  from  the  seed  of  ants  restored  again, — 

Than  now  to  see,  throughout  that  dim  abode. 
Languish  in  ghastly  stack  the  souls  of  men. 

They  lie  across  the  paunch,  the  shoulders  load, 
Of  one  another,  and  some  creeping  round 
Shifted  their  place  along  the  dismal  road. 


The  Leprous  Alcliemists  121  : 

Step  after  step  we  went  without  a  sound,  5 

Looking,  and  listening  to  the  sick  ones,  who  | 

Could  not  lift  up  their  persons  from  the  ground.  i 

I  saw,  on  one  another  leaning,  two 

(As  pan  is  propt  against  a  pan  to  dry)  I 

All  scab  from  head  to  heel:  I  never  knew 
A  stableboy  so  eagerly  to  ply  1 

The  currycomb  because  his  master  watches,  ; 

Or  one  who  keeps  awake  unwillingly, 
As  each  of  these  incontinently  scratches 

Himself  with  biting  nails,  for  frenzy  mad  \ 

Of  itching,  which  no  other  succor  matches. 
So  was  the  tetter  which  their  bodies  clad 

Flayed  from  them,  as  from  bream  knife  scrapes  the 


Or  other  fish,  if  any  larger  had. 

"O  thou  whose  every  finger  thee  dismails," 
So  did  my  Guide  to  one  of  them  begin, 
"And  sometimes  makest  pincers  of  thy  nails. 

Say  if  there  be  among  those  here  within 
Any  Italian,  so  suffice  thee  thus 
Thy  nails  forevermore  upon  thy  skin/^ 

"Italians  both,  whose  plight  so  hideous 

Thou  seest,^'  weeping,  one  replied;  "But  tell. 
Who  art  thou  that  dost  ask  concerning  us?" 

My  Leader  answered,  "Down  from  fell  to  fell 
I  with  this  living  man  am  traveling. 
And  I  came  purposing  to  show  him  Hell." — 

Thereat  the  mutual  trestle  simdering. 

That  couple  turned  round  to  me  tremblingly. 
With  others  who  by  echo  heard  the  thing. 

The  gentle  Master  then  drew  close  to  me. 

Suggesting:  "To  thy  mind  expression  give." — 
And  as  he  willed,  began  I:  "So  may  be 

Your  fame  in  the  first  world  not  fugitive. 

Fading  from  human  mind  without  a  trace. 
But  may  it  under  many  a  sun  still  live. 


im 


Inferno 


Examples  of 
fashionable, 
ostentatious 
spendthrifts. 
Cloves  imported 
from  the  far 
East  at  enor- 
mous expense. 
Siena  gay,   ele- 
gant, rich,  was 
the  garden  in 
which  such  seed 
took  root.     The 
club  was  of 
young  men  of 
fashion  who 
tried  to  see 
which  one  could 
run  through  his 
fortune  most 
swiftly  and 
merrily.     They 
were  eminently 
successful  and 
their  fame  is  still 
alive  in  their 
beautiful  city 

It  is  interesting 
to  find  in  our 
Shakespeare  an 
echo  of  Dante. 
He  calls  Julio 
Romano  the  ape 
of  nature 


Declare  me  who  ye  are  and  of  what  race: 
Do  not,  I  pray,  the  revelation  dread 
Because  of  the  foul  punishment's  disgrace." 

"I  was  an  Aretine,'^  one  answering  said, 
"Siena's  Albert  cast  me  in  the  fire; 
But  what  I  died  for  nowise  hither  led. 

'Tis  true  I  said,  as  did  the  whim  inspire. 

That  I  could  wing  the  air  in  flight:  whereon 
He,  who  had  little  wit,  but  fond  desire. 

Would  fain  be  taught  that  cunning,  and  alone 
For  I  made  him  no  Daedalus,  made  me 
Burn  at  the  stake,  through  one  who  called  him  son 

But  Minos  damned  me  down  for  alchemy. 

Which  in  the  world  I  practiced,  to  the  clutch 
Of  the  tenth  pouch  and  last,  nor  erreth  he." 

Then  to  the  Poet  I:  "Was  ever  such 
A  foolish  gentry  as  the  Sienese? 
Surely  not  so  the  French,  by  very  much !" 

The  other  leper,  hearing  words  like  these, 
Spoke  up :  "Except  me  Stricca,  resolute 
For  temperance  in  spending,  if  you  please; 

And  Niccolo,  the  first  to  institute 

The  costly  application  of  the  clove 

Within  the  garden  where  such  seed  takes  root; 

Except  the  club  where  Caccia  d'Ascian  strove 
To  squander  his  great  wood  and  vinery, 
And  Abbagliato  his  vast  wit  to  prove. 

But  that  thou  know  who  thus  doth  second  thee 
Against  the  Sienese,  now  sharpen  so 
Thine  eye  that  well  my  face  responds,  and  see! 

I  am  the  shadow  of  Capocchio 

Who  did  by  alchemy  false  metals  shape; 
And,  if  I  well  descry  thee,  thou  shouldst  know 

The  curious  skill  that  made  me  Nature's  ape." 


Examples  of  Insanity  123 

XXX 

Eighth  Circle:   Pouch  10.   Master  Adam  of 
Brescia  and  Sinon  of  Troy 

In  time  when  Juno  had  so  angry  grown 
For  Semele,  against  the  Theban  strain, 
As  she  had  more  than  once  already  shown, 

Then  Athamas  was  stricken  so  insane 
That  he,  his  very  wife  encoimtering, 
Burdened  on  either  hand  with  children  twain. 

Cried  out:  "Spread  we  the  nets  for  capturing 
The  Honess  and  whelps  upon  this  ground"; 
Then,  stretching  forth  his  claws  unpitying. 

He  took  the  one  Learchus  named,  and  round 

Whirled  him,  and  round,  and  dasht  him  on  a  stone: 
Herself,  then,  with  her  other  charge,  she  drowned. 

Again  when  Fortune  had  so  overthrown 
The  arrogance  of  Trojans  all  too  brave, 
That  king  and  kingdom  were  alike  undone. 

Poor  Hecuba,  a  wretched  captive  slave. 

When  she  had  looked  on  dead  Polyxena, 
And  afterward,  beside  the  ocean  wave. 

The  body  of  her  Polydorus  saw. 

Barked  like  a  dog,  out  of  her  senses  then; 
So  grief  had  wrung  the  soul  of  Hecuba. 

But  never  furies  came  to  Theban  ken. 
Or  Trojan,  of  so  much  ferocity 
In  goading  brutes,  much  less  the  limbs  of  men. 

As  in  two  pallid,  naked  shades  saw  I, 

Running  along  and  biting  in  such  kind 

As  does  the  boar  when  loosened  from  the  sty. 

One  seized  upon  Capocchio,  and  behind 
His  neck-joint  fixt  a  fang  so  murderous 
It  made  the  solid  rock  his  belly  grind. 

Said  the  Aretine,  who  stood  there  tremulous: 
"That  goblin's  Gianni  Schicchi,  and  insane 
He  goes  about  to  mangle  others  thus." 


124                                 Inferno  ■ 

1 

"Oh !"  said  I,  "so  the  other  may  refrain 

From  planting  fangs  in  thee,  let  me  persuade  \ 

Thee  tell  who  *tis  ere  it  dart  hence  again."  j 

And  he  to  me:  "That  is  the  ancient  shade  \ 

Of  Myrrha,  who  in  her  abandoned  mood 

Illicit  love  unto  her  father  made. 

Coming  to  sin  with  him,  she  understood  ^ 

To  take  an  alien  form;  as  who  withdrew  *; 

Yonder,  to  win  the  queen  mare  of  the  stud, 

Made  bold  Buoso  Donati  to  indue  i 

In  counterfeit  presentment,  making  will  5 

And  testament  in  legal  order  true."  ' 

And  when  the  rabid  pair  had  passed,  who  still  < 

Had  riveted  my  gaze,  I  turning  eyed  ^ 

The  other  malefactors  starred  so  ill. 

One  fashioned  like  a  lute  I  then  espied,  ! 

If  only  at  the  groin  were  amputate  i 

The  thighs,  just  at  the  point  ^here  they  divide.  : 
The  heavy  dropsy  which  doth  so  mismate 

The  limbs  with  ill-concocted  humor  thin, 

That  face  and  loin  are  disproportionate. 

Compelled  him  so  to  hold  his  lips  atwin  I 

As  hectics  do,  for  out  of  thirst  he  bent  , 

Upward  the  one,  the  other  tow'rd  his  chin.  j 
Casentitio,           "O  ye  exempted  from  all  punishment 
tXfof  tkf            ^^  *^^^  Stim  world  and  why  I  do  not  know,"— 

Amo,  above                 So  he  began, — ^'^Ah!  look  and  be  intent  i 

Arezzo,  shut  in    ^        ^^le  mode  of  Master  Adam's  woe:  | 

by  two  chains  of       *^       ^    ^                                                                      ,                        ■  \ 

Apennine  and  Living,  I  had  enough  of  what  man  wills, 

^il^th  t  %onie          ^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  ^^  water  crave  below.  1 

Falterona.  See     The  rivulets  to  Arno  from  the  hills  '< 

aZ^^^  "^               Descending  through  the  Casentino  green,  i 
Alvernia,  where            Cooling  and  freshening  their  little  rills, 

Tei.S'urZ    Ever  and  not  in  vain,  by  me  are  seen.  1 
mata,  overlooks            Because  their  image  is  more  withering 

the  Casentino             rj.y^^^  ^j^^  disease  that  makes  my  visage  lean.—  j 

'i 
\ 


Self -Pity  and  Unrepentant  Hate  125 


Rigorous  Justice  with  its  goading  sting. 

Takes  vantage  of  the  very  region  where 
I  sinned,  to  give  my  sighs  a  nimbler  wing. 

There  is  Romena,  where  the  coin  that  bare 
The  Baptist's  image  did  I  counterfeit: 
For  which  I  left  my  body  burnt  up  there. 

But  could  I  Alexander's  wretched  sprite. 

Or  Guido's,  or  their  brothers',  down  here  see, 
For  Fontebranda  I  would  not  give  the  sight. 

One  is  already  in,  if  truthful  be 

What  the  mad  shades  that  circle  round  me  say, 
But  since  my  limbs  are  tied,  what  steads  it  me? 

If  yet  enough  of  nimbleness  had  they 
To  carry  me  an  inch  a  hundred  year. 
Already  had  I  started  on  the  way 

To  seek  him  'mid  this  squalid  rabble  here. 
Although  eleven  miles  the  round  deploy. 
Nor  less  than  half  a  mile  across  appear. 

Through  them  in  such  a  family  am  I : 

'Twas  they  who  instigated  me  to  stamp 
The  florins  with  three  carats  of  alloy." 

"What  wretched  two,"  said  I,  "lie,  scamp  by  scamp 
Together,  hard  upon  thy  right  confine. 
Reeking,  like  to  wet  hand  in  winter's  damp?" 

And  he  replied:  "I  found  them  here  supine. 

When  to  this  trough  I  rained ;  they've  moved  no  more 
Since  then,  nor  ever  will  they,  I  opine. 

She,  who  false  witness  against  Joseph  bore, 

He,  Sinon  the  false  Greek  from  Troy:  intense 
The  fever  is  that  makes  them  reek  so  sore." 

And  one  of  them,  who  seemed  to  take  offense 
At  being  mentioned  in  a  mode  so  mean. 
Fisted  forthwith  his  hidebound  corpulence. 

Which  rumbled,  as  it  were  a  tambourine; 
But  Master  Adam  planted  in  his  face 
An  elbow  no  less  vigorous,  I  ween. 


The  florin  liad 
on  one  side  the 
image  of  John 
the  Baptist  and 
on  the  other  the 
Florentine  lily. 
This  and  the 
Venetian  ducat 
were  the  stand- 
ard gold  coins  of 
those  ages.    As 
the  credit  of  the 
Republic  de- 
pended upon  the 
faith  that  all  the 
vxrrld  had  in  its 
money,  to  tam- 
per vnth  the  coin 
amounted  to 
treason 

Counts  of 
Romena    who, 
being  in  debt, 
emj^yed  Mas- 
ter Adam,  the 
famous  Brescian 
expert,  to  debase 
the  florin.    The 
picturesque  ruin 
of  Romena,  and 
the  nearly 
dried-up  Fonte- 
branda that  sup- 
plied it  with 
water,  are  still 
there.    That  re- 
gion and  others, 
which  in  Dan- 
te's time  loere 
well-wooded  and 
well-watered,  are 
now  denuded 
of  forest  and 
relatively  arid 


In  the  9th  ditch 
the  circumfer- 
ence is  22  miles 
{beginning  of 
Canto   xxix). 
The  Pit  is 


126                                 Inferno  ^ 

therefore  a  rap-  Saying  to  him :  "Though  I  be  held  in  place 

^!J:"eZ!"            Because  of  my  obesity  of  loin,  | 

mmisly  vMe  at            I  have  a  limber  arm  for  such  a  case."  : 

the  top                «^Vhen  going  to  the  stake,"  did  he  rejoin,  \ 
"Thou  madest  not  so  free  with  it,  perdj'; 

But  so,  and  more,  when  thou  wast  making  coin."  i 

"Thou  sayest  true,"  the  dropsied  made  reply,  ; 

"Thou  didst  not  witness  to  the  truth  so  well  ■ 

When  of  the  truth  they  questioned  there  at  Troy."  j 

"Told  I  false  tale,  false  coinage  didst  thou  tell,"  '\ 

Said  Sinon,  "for  one  fault  am  I  undone,  ^ 

But  thou  for  more  than  other  fiend  of  Hell."  j 

"Bethink  thee  of  the  horse,  thou  perjured  one,"  i 

The  sinner  of  inflated  belly  cries,  j 

"That  the  world  knows  it,  be  thy  malison."  ] 

"Thy  malison  the  thirst  that  cracks  and  dries  i 

Thy  tongue,"  the  Greek  said,  "and  the  filthy  swill  3 

Which  makes  that  paunch  a  barrier  to  thine  eyes."  \ 

"Thy  mouth  is  gaping  open  to  thine  ill  \ 

As  usual,"  thereon  the  coiner  said,  j 

"For  if  I  thirst  and  flux  my  belly  fill,  ; 

Thou  hast  the  fever  and  the  aching  head; 

To  lap  the  mirror  of  Narcissus,  few  j 

The  words  of  invitation  thou  wouldst  need."  i 

While  I  was  listening  absorbed, — ^'^Now  do  i 

Go  staring  on !"  the  Master  said  to  me,  ] 

"A  Httle  more  and  we  shall  quarrel  too."  i 

Now  when  I  heard  him  speak  thus  angrily,  j 

I  turned  me  round  toward  him  with  such  shame  i 

That  still  it  circles  through  my  memory.  j 

And  even  as  he  who  of  his  harm  doth  dream,  1 

And,  dreaming,  doth  to  be  a  dreamer  sigh,  ! 

Craving  what  is,  as  if  it  did  but  seem,  , 

Such,  without  power  of  utterance,  grew  I :  . 

Longing  to  bring,  I  brought  excuses  in,  \ 

Yet  did  not  think  myself  excused  thereby.  I 


Virgil  Keeps  Dante's  Heart  Pure  127 

"Less  shame  would  purge  away  a  greater  sin 

Than  thine  has  been,^  at  this  the  Master  cried, 
"Therefore  disburden  thee  of  all  chagrin; 

And  count  that  I  am  ever  at  thy  side. 

If  it  fall  out  again  that  Fortune  place 
Thee  where  in  such  a  brabble  people  bide: 

Because  desire  to  hear  the  like  is  base." 


128  Inferno 

XXXI 

Descent:   The  Giants  Towering  around  the  Pit 


One  selfsame  tongue  first  bit  these  cheeks  of  mine,  ^ 

Suffusing  both  of  them  with  bashful  blood,  \ 

And  then  held  forth  to  me  the  medicine.  \ 

Achilles*  lance,  as  I  have  understood  ] 

(He  had  it  from  his  sire),  was  wonted  so  i 
To  give  first  evil  guerdon,  and  then  good. 

We  turn  our  backs  upon  the  vale  of  woe,  ] 

Up  by  the  bank  that  girdles  it  around,  i 
And  without  any  speech  across  it  go. 

Here  less  than  night  and  less  than  day  we  found,  \ 

Whence  little  way  before  my  vision  went;  j 

But  now  I  heard  a  mighty  horn  resound  i 

So  that  it  would  have  made  all  thunder  faint:  \ 
Whence,  running  counter  to  it,  on  one  spot 

Mine  eyes  were  turned,  and  wholly  now  intent.  i 

After  the  dolorous  defeat  was  wrought 

That  lost  to  Charlemagne  the  blest  array,  j 

A  blast  so  dreadful  Roland  winded  not.  | 

Not  long  I  held  my  head  bended  that  way  | 
When  many  a  lofty  tower  appeared  to  rise; 

Whence  I:  "What  is  this  city.  Master,  say?'*  J 

And  he  replied  to  me:  "Because  thine  eyes 

Traverse  the  darkness  through  too  wide  a  space. 

Befalls  that  fancy  wanders  in  such  wise.  : 

Well  shalt  thou  see,  arriving  at  that  place, 

How  from  afar  the  sense  deceived  may  be: 
Whence  somewhat  forward  spur  thyself  apace." 

Taking  me  by  the  hand  then  tenderly,  \ 

"Ere  yet,"  continued  he,  "we  farther  go,  \ 

So  that  the  truth  appear  less  strange  to  thee,  i 

Not  towers  are  these,  but  giants,  must  thou  know,  i 
And  in  the  Pit  about  the  bank  are  they. 

From  the  navel  downward,  one  and  all  below."  \ 


The  Giants  around  the  Pit 


129 


As  when  the  mist  is  vanishing  away, 

Little  by  little  through  the  blotted  air 
The  gaze  shapes  out  whatever  hidden  lay: 

So,  through  the  dense  and  darksome  atmosphere 
Piercing,  while  ever  nearer  to  the  bound. 
Forsook  I  error  to  encounter  fear. 

For,  as  with  circling  mural  turrets  crowned 
Montereggione  stands,  from  the  orifice 
Emerged  half  figures,  turreting  around 

The  margin  that  encircles  the  abyss. 

The  horrible  giants  whom  Jove  from  the  sky 
Still  with  his  thimder  threatens,  not  amiss. 

I  could  the  face  of  one  by  now  descry. 

Breast,  shoulders,  and  of  belly  portion  great, 
And  either  arm  dep>ending  by  the  thigh. 

Certainly  Nature,  ceasing  to  create 

Such  Uving  beings,  showed  exceeding  sense 
These  ministers  of  Mars  to  abrogate* 

And  if  of  elephant  and  whale  repents 

She  nowise,  he  who  subtly  looks  will  find 
Of  justice  and  discretion  evidence : 

Because  where  the  equipment  of  the  mind 
Combines  with  force  and  mahce  criminal. 
No  bulwark  can  be  made  by  humankind. 

His  face  appeared  to  me  as  huge  and  tall 

As  is  Saint  Peter's  Pine-cone  there  at  Rome, 
With  the  other  bones  in  due  proportion  all: 

So  that  the  bank,  which  was  an  apron  from 

His  middle  down,  showed  upward  of  his  size 
So  much  that,  boasting  to  his  hair  to  come. 

Three  Frisians  would  have  made  it  good  nowise: 
For  I  beheld  of  him  thirty  full  palms 
Down  from  the  place  where  man  the  mantle  ties. 

"Rafel  mai  amech  zabi  almi," 

The  mouth  ferocious  began  bellowing, 
To  which  are  not  befitting  sweeter  psalms. 


Montereggione 
still  stands,  as 
here  described, 
a  circular  iur- 
reted  wall  sur- 
rounding a  vil- 
lage, a  few  miles 
north  of  Siena, 
of  wJiose  do- 
inains  it  was 
once  a  strategic 
'point 


An  enormous 
antique  cone, 
some  ten  feet 
high,  of  gilded 
bronze,  now  in 
the  Garden  of 
the  Vatican 


130  Inferno 

To  him  called  out  my  Leader:  "Stupid  thing! 

Stick  to  thy  horn;  contrive  to  make  it  serve  ; 

Thine  anger,  or  whatever  passion  sting.  \ 

Search  at  thy  neck  and  there  wilt  thou  observe  \ 

The  cord  that  makes  it  fast,  O  soul  confused !  \ 

And  see  the  horn  thy  mighty  breast  becurve.''  \ 

And  then  to  me:  "He  hath  himself  accused;  \ 

This  one  is  Nimrod,  through  whose  evil  mood  J 

One  language  in  the  world  is  not  still  used.  I 

Leave  him,  for  empty  speaking  were  not  good:  ^ 
Since  every  language  is  to  him  the  same 
As  his  to  others,  of  none  understood.'* 

We  therefore  journeyed  on,  with  constant  aim  \ 

Toward  the  left,  and  at  a  crossbow  shot  j 

We  found  one  far  more  fierce  and  huge  of  frame.  ] 

The  master  smith  to  bind  him  know  I  not. 

But  he  was  holding  out  his  left  hand  bound  \ 

In  front  of  him,  the  right  behind  drawn  taut  ^ 

By  a  cable  chain,  which  held  him  so  enwound  ; 

From  the  neck  down,  that  on  the  part  displayed  i 

As  many  as  five  coils  begirt  him  round.  \ 

"This  arrogant  soul  was  bent,"  my  Leader  said,  ■', 
"To  try  conclusions  with  almighty  Jove, 
Whence  in  such  fashion  is  his  meed  repaid. 

His  name  is  Ephialtes;  he  did  prove,  , 

When  giants  frighted  gods,  his  force  immense :  j 

The  arms  he  brandisht  never  will  he  move.'*  i 

And  I  to  him:  "I  would,  if  naught  prevents,  j 
That  of  the  measureless  Briareus 

These  eyes  of  mine  might  have  experience."  • 

"Antfieus  shalt  thou  see,"  he  answered  thus,  j 

"Hard  by,  articulate,  unfettered, — he  \ 

To  bottom  of  all  bad  shall  carry  us.  I 

*Tis  a  far  cry  to  him  thou  wouldest  see; 

Made  fast  is  he,  and  fashioned  like  this  one. 
Save  that  his  features  more  ferocious  be." 


AntoBUS  Sets  Them  Down 


131 


Earthquake  aforetime  there  was  surely  none 
Of  force  to  rock  a  turret  as  when  grim 
Ephialtes  sudden  shook  himseK  thereon. 

I  feared  death  never  as  I  did  from  him. 

Nor  need  had  been  of  more  beyond  the  dread, 
Had  I  not  seen  his  gyres  on  every  Umb. 

Farther  along  we  then  our  footsteps  sped. 

And  reached  Antseus  standing  forth  ells  five 
Above  the  rocky  verge,  without  the  head. 

"O  thou  who  sawest  the  fateful  valley  give 
Glory  to  Scipio,  and  on  that  day 
When  Hannibal  and  his  host  turned  fugitive. 

Didst  bring  a  thousand  Uons  for  thy  prey; 

And  through  whom,  hadst  thou  with  thy  brothers 

been 
At  the  high  battle,  some  still  seem  to  say 

The  sons  of  Earth  had  won  the  palm  therein: 
Be  not  disdainful  now  to  carry  us 
Down  where  the  winter  locks  Cocytus  in. 

Make  us  not  look  to  Typhon  nor  Tityus; 

This  man  can  give  what  here  ye  are  craving  for: 
Wherefore  stoop  down,  nor  curl  thy  muzzle  thus. 

He  in  the  world  can  yet  thy  fame  restore: 

For  still  he  Uves  and  waits  long  life,  unless 
Grace  call  him  to  herself  his  time  before." 

The  Master  thus;  and  he  in  eagerness 

Took  up  my  Leader  in  those  hands  outspread 
Whence  Hercules  once  felt  the  mighty  stress. 

And  when  he  felt  their  pressure,  Virgil  said: 

"Come  hither,  fhat  I  may  enclasp  thee  quite" ; 
Then  of  himself  and  me  one  fardel  made. 

Such  as  the  Carisenda  seems  to  sight 

Of  one  beneath  its  leaning,  when  a  cloud 
Goes  over,  and  the  tower  hangs  opposite: 

Just  so  Antseus  seemed  to  me  who  stood 

Watching  to  see  him  lean;  and  it  was  then 
I  could  have  wished  to  go  by  other  road. 


Carisenda  {or 
Garisenda)  is 
one  of  a  pair  of 
leaning  towers 
standing  side  by 
side  at  Bologna. 
This  is  160  feet 
high;  the  other, 
which  slants 
less,  320.     Per- 
haps the  Cari- 
senda was  once 
as  high  as  its 
mate.     Dante's 
choice  of  this, 
rather  than  of 
the  more  beau- 
tiful and  famous 
tower  at  Pisa,  is 
one  of  many 
reasons  for 
thinking  him  to 
have  been  a  stu- 
dent at  Bologna. 
The  writer  has 
tested  the  vivid- 
ness of  the  com^ 
parison  under 
the  slant  both 


132  Inferno 

of  this  tower  and  But  lightly  down  he  laid  us  in  the  fen 
The  impression  That  Lucifer  with  Judas  prisons  fast: 

is  Strang  tliat  Nor  lingered  there  thus  leaning,  but  again 

the  tower  i«  t>  j  •  i  •     .i 

falling  Kose  up  and  up,  as  m  a  snip  the  mast. 


The  Violent  against  Kindred  133 

XXXII 

Ninth  Circle:  Caina;  Antenora 

Had  I  such  harsh  and  grating  rimes  as  must 

Be  most  in  keeping  with  the  dismal  Pit 

Where  all  the  other  crags  converging  thrust, 
I  would  press  out  the  juice  of  my  conceit 

More  perfectly:  but  since  'tis  otherwise 

Not  without  fear  I  come  to  speak  of  it: 
Because  it  is  no  frolic  enterprise 

To  plot  the  ground  of  all  the  universe, 

Nor  for  a  tongue  that  Mama  and  Papa  cries. 
But  be  those  Ladies  helpers  in  my  verse, 

Who  helpt  Amphion  Thebes  to  close  and  keep. 

That  from  the  fact  the  word  be  not  diverse. 

0  dwellers  in  the  unrecorded  deep, 

Rabble  beyond  all  others  born  amiss. 
Better  had  ye  on  earth  been  goats  or  sheep! 
When  we  were  down  within  the  dark  abyss 
Beneath  the  giant's  feet,  but  far  below. 
And  yet  I  gazed  at  the  high  precipice, 

1  heard  it  said  to  me:  "Look  how  thou  go: 

Let  not  thy  soles  betrample  as  they  pass 

The  heads  of  weary  brothers  full  of  woe." 
Whereat  I  turned,  and  saw  there  a  morass 

Before  and  underfoot,  and  frost  thereon 

Made  semblance  not  of  water  but  of  glass. 
The  Austrian  Danube  never  laid  upon 

Her  current  in  the  winter,  veil  so  thick. 

Nor,  far  beneath  the  freezing  sky,  the  Don, 
As  here  there  was:  so  that  if  Tambernic  Tall,  rocky 

Or  Pietrapana  had  tumbled  there  amain,  P^"^* 

Not  even  the  border  would  have  given  a  creak. 
And  even  as  frogs,  that  they  may  croak,  remain 

With  muzzle  out  of  water,  when  in  dream 

The  peasant-maiden  often  gleans  again : 


1S4  Inferno 

Even  so,  as  far  up  as  where  blushes  stream. 

The  woeful  shades  in  the  ice  were  pinched  and  blue, 
Setting  their  teeth  in  tune  to  the  stork's  theme. 
Each  one  of  them  held  down  the  face  from  view. 
By  chattering  teeth  their  chill  may  be  divined. 
And  by  the  eyes  how  bitter  is  their  rue. 
Now,  looking  round  about  awhile,  I  find 

Down  at  my  feet,  two  forms  so  closely  pressed 
The  tresses  of  the  head  are  intertwined. 
*^Tell,  ye  who  thus  together  strain  the  breast," 

Said  I,  *Vho  are  ye?"  And  their  necks  they  bent, 
And  when  their  faces  tow'rd  me  were  addressed. 
Their  eyes,  whose  humor  still  within  was  pent. 
Brimmed  over  at  the  lids,  whereon  the  frost 
Bound  fast  the  tears  between,  and  lockt  the  vent. 
No  clamp  from  board  to  board  yet  ever  crossed 

That  held  so  firmly:  whence,  like  he-goats  twain, 
Together  butted  they,  in  anger  lost. 
One,  from  whom  frostbite  both  his  ears  had  ta*en, 
Exclaimed,  with  visage  ever  bended  down. 
Sons  of  Count  "Why  SO  to  mirror  thee  in  us  art  fain.'* 

mevJley^^the  ^^  *^®^  wouldst  have  these  two  to  thee  acknown, 
Bisenzio  near  The  valley  whence  descends  Bisenzio 

ulk^'mJeach  Their  father  Albert's  was,  and  was  their  own. 

other  quarreling  They  issucd  from  one  body,  thou  mayst  go 
ZZJ^'  '''^'""  Questing  Caina  through,  and  find  no  shade 

•►  Deserving  more  in  gelatine  to  show: 

According  to  the  Not  him  in  breast  and  shadow  open  laid 

^ncelo^^when  ^y  ®^^  ^^^  *^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  Arthur's  hand; 

King  Arthur's  Focaccia  not;  nor  him  who  with  his  head 

^ZTlf^M^dr^  So  hedges  me,  I  can  no  view  command, 
the  sunlight  And  who  was  Sassol  Mascheroni  hight: 

fe!ti^u%.  ^  tl^ou  be  Tuscan,  well  dost  understand. 

as  Dante  puts  But  that  no  further  speeches  thou  invite, 
uJtdi'^''  ""^  ^«^'  I  was  Camicion  de'  Pazzi,  and  here 

Expect  Carlino  to  excuse  me  quite.'* 


The  Traitor  of  Montaperti 


135 


Then  I  beheld  a  thousand  faces  leer 

Curhke  with  cold:  whence  shudders  o'er  me  thrill 
Forevermore,  at  every  frozen  mere. 

While  we  were  going  tow'rd  the  Center  still. 
Whereto  all  gravity  converges  down. 
And  I  was  trembling  in  the  eternal  chill: 

Whether  by  will,  or  fate,  or  fortune  done, 

I  know  not;  but  among  the  heads  somehow 
I  struck  my  foot  full  in  the  face  of  one. 

Wailing  he  yelled  at  me:  "Why  tramplest  thou? 
Unless  to  double  vengeance  for  the  day 
Of  Montaperti,  why  molest  me  now?" 

And  I :  "Now,  Master,  make  a  little  stay. 

That  I  through  him  may  rid  me  of  a  doubt: 
Then  shalt  thou  haste  me  as  thou  wilt  away.** 

My  Leader  stopt;  and  I,  now  turned  about 
To  him,  still  bitterly  blaspheming  there. 
Said:  "Whp  art  thou  on  others  crying  out?" 

"Nay,  who  art  thou,"  he  answered,  "who  dost  fare 
Through  Antenora,  and  dost  others  smite. 
So  that,  wert  thou  alive,  'twere  ill  to  bear?" 

"Alive  I  am:  if  fame  be  thy  delight. 

It  may  be  dear  to  thee,"  did  I  respond, 
"That  I  with  other  notes  thy  name  indite." 

"I  crave  the  contrary  of  those  beyond : 

Begone,  and  pester  me  no  more,"  he  whined; 
"Small  skill  hast  thou  to  flatter  on  this  pond." 

Then,  laying  hold  upon  his  scalp  behind, 

"It  shall  needs  be  thou  name  thyself,"  said  I, 
"Or  not  a  hair  upon  thee  shalt  thou  find." 

"What  though  thou  strip  me  bald,"  he  made  reply, 
"I  will  not  tell  thee  who  I  am,  nor  show. 
Maul  thou  my  head  to  all  eternity." 

I  had  his  hair  in  hand  already,  so 

That  more  than  one  tuft  had  been  pluckt  away. 
He  yelping,  with  eyes  riveted  below. 


My  kinsman 
Carlino  (o 
Florentine  Bene' 
diet  Arnold)  is 
so  much  worse 
thai  I  shall 
appear  inno- 
cent. The  others, 
— ^Ut  us  not 
speak  of  them" 


This  is  Bocca  of  \ 
the  Abati,  who,  .^ 
at  the  crucial  ] 

moment  of  the 
battle  of  Monta-        ] 
perti,  the  most  ; 

cruel  defeat  j 

Florence  suf-  ' 

fered  in  the  time 
of  the  Republic, 
cut  off  the  hand 
of  the  Florentine 
standard-bearer. 
To  this  choice  ; 

example  of  ] 

traitorhood 
Dante  devotes  j 

m^yre  than  thirty  ] 
dreadful  lines  i 


136  Inferno  \ 

When  one  cried  out:  "Bocca,  what  ails  thee?  nay  \ 

Enough !  let  jawbones  chatter  till  they  burst,  ] 
But  must  thou  bark?  what  fiend  is  at  thee,  pray?" —        ■ 

Whereat  I  said :  "Thou  traitor  thrice  accurst,  \ 

From  this  time  forth  I  want  no  speech  of  thee,  1 
For  to  thy  shame  true  tale  shall  be  rehearst." 

"Begone,  and  babble  what  thou  wilt,"  said  he,  i 
"But,  going  hence,  fail  not  discourse  to  hold 
Of  him  who  had  the  tongue  just  now  so  free. 

He  is  lamenting  here  the  Frenchman's  gold : 

*I  saw  him  of  Duera,'  canst  thou  note,  ] 

*There  where  the  sinners  he  out  in  the  cold.'  \ 

And  should  they  ask  thee  other  anecdote,  ; 

Him  at  thy  side  there  name  in  thy  reports,  ■ 

The  Beccheria, — for  Florence  cut  his  throat.  i 

Gianni  de'  Soldanier,  I  think,  consorts  ' 

With  Ganelon,  and  Tribaldello  yon  ] 

Who  while  men  slept  unbarred  Faenza's  ports."  I 

Already  we  away  from  him  were  gone  j 

When,  frozen  in  one  hole,  beheld  I  two  1 
So  that  one  head  was  hood  to  the  other  one: 

And  even  as  people  bread  for  hunger  chew,  ] 

The  uppermost  upon  the  one  below  • 
Set  teeth  where  brain  and  neck  together  grew. 

Not  otherwise  once  Tydeus  gnawed  the  brow 
Of  Menalippus,  in  his  rage  malign. 
Than  skull  and  other  parts  gnawed  this  one  now. 

"O  thou  who  showest  by  so  bestial  sign 

Hatred  to  him  whom  thou  devourst,"  said  I, 

"Tell  me  the  cause,  upon  this  pledge  of  mine,  \ 

If  thou  complainest  with  good  reason  why,  \ 

That  I,  with  both  acquainted,  and  his  guile,  \ 

May  yet  requite  thee  in  the  world  on  high,  \ 

If  this  my  tongue  be  not  dried  up  erewhile."  \ 


The  Tower  of  Hunger  137  ; 

XXXIII  I 


Ugolino  and  His  Children  in  the  Tower 

That  sinner  lifted  from  the  foul  repast 

His  mouth  up,  wiping  it  upon  the  hair 
Behind  the  head  whereon  I  looked  aghast; 

Then  he  began :  "Thou  wilt  that  I  declare 

Desj>erate  grief  that  wrings  the  heart  of  me. 
Even  in  the  thought,  before  I  lay  it  bare. 

But  if  my  words  a  seed  of  infamy 

May  sow  unto  the  traitor  whom  I  gnaw. 
Speaking  and  tears  together  shalt  thou  see. 

I  know  not  who  thou  art,  nor  by  what  law 
Thou  comest  down  here;  but  a  Florentine, 
On  hearing  thee,  it  seemed  to  me  I  saw. 

Thou  hast  to  know  I  was  Count  Ugolin, 
And  this  Archbishop  Roger;  why  so  fell 
A  neighbor  am  I,  let  me  tell  his  sin. 

That  I,  in  his  good  faith  confiding  well. 
By  his  devices  was  in  prison  flung 
And  done  to  death,  there  is  no  need  to  tell. 

But  what  thou  hast  not  heard  from  any  tongue. 
That  is,  how  cruelly  my  life  was  reft. 
Shall  hear,  and  know  if  he  have  done  me  wrong. 

A  narrow  cranny  in  the  dungeon  cleft 

Whereto  for  me  the  name  of  Famine  clings. 
And  where  to  languish  others  shall  be  left. 

Had  shown  me  already  through  its  openings 
Many  a  moon,  when  the  bad  dream  had  I, 
That  tore  away  the  veil  of  coining  things. 

This  man  seemed  master  of  the  hunting  cry. 

Hounding  the  wolf  and  wolflings  tow'rd  the  mount 
That  shuts  out  Lucca  from  the  Pisan  eye. 

With  eager  sleuthhounds  gaunt  and  trained  to  hunt. 
Had  he  Gualandi  on  before  him  sent, 
Sismondi  with  Lanfranchi,  to  the  front. 


138  Inferno 

After  brief  coursing,  sire  and  sons  forspent 

Appeared  to  me,  and  all  the  while  they  fled 
I  saw  their  flanks  with  whetted  tushes  rent. 

When  I  awoke  before  the  dawn  was  red, 

I  heard  my  children  in  their  slumber  cry. 
For  they  were  with  me  there,  imploring  bread. 

Hard  must  thy  heart  be,  if  thou  dost  not  sigh. 
Only  to  think  of  my  forebodings  drear; 
What  wouldst  thou  weep  for,  if  thine  eyes  are  dry? 

The  hour  that  used  to  bring  our  food  drew  near, 
And  now  they  had  awakened  from  their  sleep, 
And  each  one  from  his  dream  was  full  of  fear: 

When  I  heard,  sounding  through  the  horrible  keep, 
The  nailing  of  the  doorway:  all  for  woe 
I  gazed  into  their  face  in  silence  deep. 

I  wept  not, — stony  seemed  my  heart  to  grow. 

They  wept;  and  Anselm  said,  dear  little  one, 
Tather,  what  ails  thee?    Ah,  why  looks t  thou  so?' 

Still  shed  I  not  a  tear,  made  answer  none 

Through  all  that  day,  nor  all  the  following  night. 
Till  rose  upon  the  world  another  sun. 

And  when  a  feeble  glimmering  of  light 
Was  shed  into  the  woeful  jail,  ah  me! 
And  faces  four  displayed  my  own  to  sight, 

I  bit  on  both  my  hands  for  agony. 

And,  thinking  that  I  did  it  under  stress 
Of  ravenous  hunger,  rose  they  suddenly: 

'Father,'  they  said,  *our  pain  will  be  far  less 
If  thou  wilt  eat  of  us;  thou  hast  begot 
This  flesh, — relieve  us  of  its  wretchedness.' 

This  made  me  calm,  lest  they  be  more  distraught; 
That  whole  day  and  the  next,  none  made  a  sign: 
Ah,  cruel  earth!  why  didst  thou  open  not? 

And  after  the  fourth  day  began  to  shine. 

My  Gaddo  flung  him  down  before  my  knee. 
Crying:  'O  why  not  help  me,  father  mine?' 


Ptohmea 


139 


And  there  he  died:  and  there  I  saw  the  three. 
As  thou  seest  me,  fall  one  by  one  all  through 
The  fifth  and  sixth  days:  whence  betook  I  me. 

Now  blind,  to  groping  on  them,  and  for  two 

Whole  days  called  to  them,  after  they  were  gone: 
Then  hunger  did  what  sorrow  could  not  do." 

Having  said  this,  with  eyes  askance  drawn  down. 
That  miserable  skull  he  grappled  dumb. 
With  teeth  strong  as  a  dog's  upon  the  bone. 

Ah,  Pisa !  of  the  folk  opprobrium 

In  the  fair  country  where  the  si  doth  sound. 
Since  neighbors  lag  in  punishment,  let  come 

Caprara  and  Gorgona,  shifting  ground. 

And  choke  up  Arno*s  channel,  quite  across. 
That  every  living  soul  in  thee  be  drowned. 

For  if  folk  tax  Count  Ugolin  with  loss. 

By  treachery  to  thee,  of  places  strong, 
Shouldst  not  have  put  his  sons  on  such  a  cross. 

Thou  modern  Thebes!  their  youth  made  free  from  wrong 
Uguccion  and  Brigata,  and  withal 
The  two  already  mentioned  in  my  song. 

Yet  onward  went  we,  where  the  icy  pall. 

Rough  swathing,  doth  another  people  keep. 
Not  downward  bended,  but  reverted  all. 

The  very  weeping  there  forbids  them  weep. 
And  finding  on  the  eyes  a  barrier,  woe 
Tiu-ns  inward  to  make  agony  more  deep: 

Because  the  first  tears  to  a  cluster  grow. 
And,  like  a  visor  crystalline,  upfiU 
The  whole  concavity  beneath  the  brow. 

And  though,  as  in  a  callus,  through  the  chill 
.  Prevailing  there,  all  sensibility 
Had  ceased  its  function  in  my  visage,  still 

I  felt  some  wind,  so  now  it  seemed  to  me: 

"Master,  who  moveth  this?"  I  therefore  said, 

"Is  not  all  vapor  quencht  down  here?"  Whence  he: 


Italian  teas  Hie 
''lingua  di  si" 
{language,  orig- 
inally, of  "sic" 
for  "yes")  just 
as  Provencal 
was  the  "langue 
d'oc"  {"hoc"  for 
"yes"),  whence 
the  name  of  the 
great  region  of 
Languedoc 

Caprara  and 
Gorgona,  islands 
off  the  mouth  of 
Arno.     Looking 
dovm  the  river 
from  the  Leaning 
Tower  on  a  clear 
day,  they  do 
seem  to  block  the 
outlet 


140  Inferno 


"Speedily  art  thou  thither  to  be  led 

Where  shall  thine  eye  to  this  an  answer  find, 
Seeing  the  cause  wherefrom  the  blast  is  shed." 
And  of  the  wretches  of  the  frozen  rind 
One  shouted  to  us :  "O  ye  souls  so  fell 
That  the  last  station  is  to  you  assigned. 
Lift  from  my  visage  up  each  rigid  veil. 
That  I  may  vent  the  sorrow  in  a  trice, 
Which  swells  my  bosom,  ere  the  tears  congeal." 
"Tell  who  thou  art,"  I  said,  "I  ask  this  price: 
K  thee  therefore  I  do  not  extricate, 
May  I  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  ice." 
This  gentleman  And  he:  "Fra  Alberigo  I  of  late, 
to  wlwm  Dante  « jj^  ^f  ^^e  fruit  of  the  ill  garden :  so 

had,  by  an  .  Ti  i        ,, 

ambiguous  oath,  I  here  am  gettmg  for  my  fig  a  date." 

couH^  had      "Akeady,"  said  I,  "art  thou  here  below?" 

murdered  two  of  And  he  made  answer:  "How  my  flesh  may  thrive 

filler  M%he  ^^^^^  ^^  *^^  ^PP^^  ^^^^^'  ^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^• 

signal  to  the       This  Ptolomea  hath  such  prerogative 

assofsins  being:  jj^^^  oftentimes  the  soul  falls  to  this  place 

Bring  m  the  i        .         i     . 

Jruitr  Obviously  Ere  ever  Atropos  the  signal  give. 

Dants  here  ads    j^^^  ^^isit  more  willingly  from  off  my  face 

in  harmony  with  °  *'  *' 

what  he  con-  Thou  now  remove  away  the  glazen  tears, 

cnves  to  be  the  Know  that  as  soon  as  any  soul  betrays. 

Divine  Justice.      .^i  ii»i«i        ni 

Let  the  betrayer    As  I  betrayed,  forthwith  a  fiend  appears 
fed  m  his  own  ^j^^  takes  her  body,  therein  governing 

person  wliat  \      .  -  , 

treachery  is  likel  Throughout  the  revolution  of  her  years. 

Headlong  to  such  a  cistern  doth  she  fling; 
And  haply  still  above  the  trimk  is  shown 
Of  yonder  shade  behind  me  wintering.  \ 

To  thee,  if  just  come  down,  he  should  be  known :  \ 

Ser  Branca  d*Oria:  and  many  a  year  \ 

Since  he  was  thus  lockt  up,  is  come  and  gone."  ] 

"I  think,"  said  I,  "that  thou  deceivst  me  here:  j 

For  Branca  d'Oria  not  yet  is  dead,  \ 

But  eats  and  drinks  and  sleeps  and  dons  his  gear." 


In  Hell  ivhile  Still  on  Earth  141 

"Into  the  moat  of  Maltalons/'  he  said,  J 

"Up  there  where  boils  the  sticky  pitch  away,  \ 

Had  Michael  Zanche's  spirit  not  yet  sped,  ^ 

When  this  one  left  a  devil  in  full  sway 

In  his  own  body,  and  one  next  of  blood 
Who  served  him  as  accomplice  to  betray. 

But  now  reach  here  thy  hand,  as  understood,  j 

Open  mine  eyes" :  my  hand  I  reacht  not  forth,  \ 
And  courtesy  it  was  to  be  thus  rude. 

Ah,  men  of  Genoa!  with  aught  of  worth  | 

At  variance,  and  full  of  vices  all,  ^ 

Wherefore  are  ye  not  scattered  from  the  earth?  i 

For  with  Romagna's  soul  most  criminal  I 

I  found  one  such  of  you,  that  for  his  meed  j 

His  soul  bathes  in  Cocytus,  yet  withal  t 

His  body  seems  alive  in  very  deed. 


/ernt" 


142  Inferno 

XXXIV 

Ninth  Circle:  Judecca.   Passage  from  Lucifer 
TO  THE  Light 

"VexiUa  Regis     "Tow*rd  US  the  banner  of  the  King  of  Hell 
prodeunt  m-  Advances;  therefore  forward  bend  thine  eyes," 

My  Master  said,  "if  thou  discernest  well." 

As,  when  thick  fog  upon  the  landscape  lies. 

Or  when  the  night  darkens  our  hemisphere, 
A  turning  windmill  seems  afar  to  rise. 

Such  edifice,  methought,  did  now  appear: 
Whereat,  by  reason  of  the  wind,  I  cling 
Behind  my  Guide, — ^no  other  shelter  near. 

Already  (and  it  is  with  fear  I  sing) 

I  found  me  where  the  shades  all  covered  show 
Like  straws  through  crystal  faintly  glimmering. 

Some  stand  erect,  others  are  prone  below; 

One  here  head  up,  soles  uppermost  one  there; 
Another  face  to  foot  bent,  Uke  a  bow. 

When  we  had  made  our  way  along  to  where 
I  was  to  see,  as  pleased  my  Master  good, 
The  Being  that  once  bore  the  semblance  fair. 

He  halted  me,  and  from  before  me  stood. 

Saying:  "Behold  Dis,  and  the  place^behold 
Where  thou  must  weapon  thee  with  fortitude!" 

How  faint  I  grew  thereat,  and  icy  cold. 

Ask  me  not.  Reader,  to  declare  in  speech : 
All  language  would  fall  short  if  it  were  told. 

Devoid  of  life,  yet  death  I  did  not  reach : 

Think  for  thyself,  if  wit  suffice  therefor. 
What  my  condition  was,  bereft  of  each. 

He,  of  the  woeful  realm  the  Emperor, 

Emerged  midbreast  above  the  ice-field  yon, 
And  liker  to  a  giant  I,  than  bore 

The  giants  with  his  arms  comparison: 

Consider,  with  respect  to  such  a  limb. 

How  huge  that  whole  which  it  depends  upon. 


The  Worm  at  the  Core  of  the  World  143 

If  he  were  fair  once,  as  he  now  is  grim, 

And  raised  his  brow  against  That  One  who  made. 
Well  may  all  woe  have  fountainhead  in  him. 

O  what  a  wonder,  when  upon  his  head 

Three  faces  to  my  sight  were  manifest! 
The  one  in  front,  and  it  was  fiery  red; 

The  other  two  with  this  one  coalesced 

Just  o'er  the  middle  of  each  shoulder,  while 
They  all  conjoined  together  at  the  crest: 

The  right-hand  face  appeared  to  reconcile 

With  yellow,  white;  the  left  was  such  of  hue 

As  folk  who  come  whence  floweth  down  the  Nile. 

Vast  wings  came  forth,  beneath  each  visage  two, 
Such  as  were  fitting  to  a  bird  like  that: 
Sails  of  the  sea  so  broad  I  never  knew. 

They  bore  no  feathers,  but  as  of  a  bat 

Their  fashion  was;  and  flapping  them  he  stood 
So  that  three  winds  proceeded  forth  thereat, 

Whence  frozen  over  was  Cocytus  flood. 

The  cadent  tears  were  trickling  from  six  eyes 
Over  three  chins,  to  mix  with  drooling  blood. 

At  every  mouth  his  tushes  heckle-wise 
Upon  a  malefactor  champ  and  tear. 
So  that  he  thus  makes  three  to  agonize. 

To  him  in  front  the  bite  could  not  compare 
Unto  the  clawing,  for  at  times  the  hide 
Dilacerated,  left  the  shoulders  bare. 

"That  soul  up  yon,  most  sorely  crucified. 
Is  Judas  the  Iscariot,*'  said  my  Lord, 
"His  head  within,  he  plies  his  legs  outside. 

Of  the  other  two,  whose  heads  are  netherward, 
Brutus  it  is  who  hangs  from  the  black  jole: 
Look  how  he  writhes  and  utters  not  a  word! 

The  other  Cassius,  stalwart-seeming  soul. — 
But  now  another  night  is  darkening; 
We  must  depart:  for  we  have  seen  the  whole.'* 


144 


Inferno 


Possibly  some 
who  are  not  dull- 
ards may  be 
ivilling  to  be  told 
that  the  Point  in 
question  was  the 
Center  of  the 
Earth,  so  that  we 
are  now  under 
the  southern 
hemisphere. 
Purgatory, 
toward  which  we 
are  climbing,  be- 
ing opposite 
Jerusalem,  we 
have  gained 
twelve  hours  of 
time.     It  would 
now  be  Saturday 
morning   again, 
so  that  twenty- 
four  hours  are 
allowed  for  the 
passage  from  the 
Center  to  the 
foot  of  the 
mountain   of 
Purgatory.    If 
we  can  do  it  at 
all,  we  ought  to 
be  able  to  do  it  in 
that  time,  for  we 
are  not,  as  in 
descending,  to 
make  a  thousand 
st'Ops  by  the  way 


About  his  neck  I,  at  his  bidding,  ding : 

And  he  of  time  and  place  advantage  takes: 
And  soon  as  wing  is  wide  apart  from  wing. 

Lays  hold  upon  the  shaggy  flanks,  and  makes 
His  way  from  shag  to  shag,  descending  by 
The  matted  hair  among  the  frozen  cakes. 

When  we  were  come  to  that  point  where  the  thigh 
Revolves,  exactly  where  the  haunches  swell. 
My  Guide,  with  effort  and  distressful  sigh. 

Turned  round  his  head  to  where  his  footing  fell. 
And  Hke  one  mounting,  grappled  to  the  hair, 
So  that,  methought,  we  back  returned  to  Hell. 

"Keep  fast  thy  hold,  because  by  such  a  stair," 
The  Master  said,  panting  like  one  forspent, 
"Forsaking  so  great  evil,  must  we  fare." 

Out  through  the  crevice  of  a  rock  he  went. 
And  set  me  on  its  brink;  then  warily 
Planting  his  feet,  his  steps  toward  me  bent. 

I  lifted  up  mine  eyes,  thinking  to  see 
Lucifer,  just  as  I  had  seen  him  last. 
And  saw  him  with  his  legs  upturned  to  me. 

And  what  perplexity  now  held  me  fast. 

Let  dullards  fancy  who  have  notion  none 
What  point  it  was  I  had  already  passed. 

"Rise  up,"  the  Master  said,  "thy  feet  upon : 
The  way  is  long,  and  difficult  the  road, 
And  now  to  middle  tierce  returns  the  sun." 

It  was  no  palace  chamber  where  we  stood, 
But  lo !  a  natural  dungeon  vault  was  this. 
Wanting  in  light  and  without  footing  good. 

"Before  I  pluck  myself  from  the  Abyss, 
Master,"  when  risen  to  my  feet  I  said, 
"Talk  with  me  somewhat,  lest  I  judge  amiss. 

Where  is  the  ice?  and  how  is  This  One  stayed 

Thus  upside  down  and  how,  in  moments  few. 
The  sun  from  even  to  morning  transit  made?" 


Ascent  to  the  Wwid  of  Light 


145 


"Thou  still  believest  thee,'*  he  said  thereto, 

"Yon-side  the  Center,  where  I  gript  the  hair 

Of  the  fell  Worm  that  pierces  the  world  through. 

So  long  as  I  descended  wast  thou  there: 
Soon  as  I  turned,  the  point  we  overran 
Whereto  all  weights  from  all  directions  bear: 

Thou'rt  come  beneath  the  hemisphere  whose  span 
Is  counterposed  to  that  which  doth  embrace 
The  great  dry  land,  beneath  whose  cope  the  Man 

Was  slain,  pure  born  and  without  need  of  grace : 
Thy  feet  upon  a  little  disk  abide 
That  for  Judecca  forms  the  counter  face. 

Here  it  is  morn  when  yonder  eventide: 

And  still  doth  This  One  stand  as  fixedly 
As  ere  he  made  a  ladder  with  his  hide. 

Down  out  of  Heaven  upon  this  side  dropt  he. 
And  all  the  land  that  here  of  yore  arose 
Was  veiled,  through  terror  of  him,  with  the  sea. 

And  joined  our  hemisphere;  and  some  suppose 
Perhaps  that  land  today  on  this  side  found 
Fled  up  from  him,  and  left  this  empty  close.'* 

There  is  a  place  below,  whose  further  bound 
From  Beelzebub  far  as  his  tomb  extends. 
By  sight  unnoted,  but  betrayed  by  sound 

Made  by  a  rivulet  that  here  descends 

A  crannied  rock,  which  it  has  gnawed  away 
With  gently  sloping  current,  as  it  wends. 

My  Guide  and  I  upon  that  hidden  way 

Entered,  returning  to  the  world  of  Ught: 
And  without  caring  for  repose  to  stay. 

He  first,  and  I  behind  him,  scaled  the  height. 
Till  a  round  opening  revealed  afar 
The  beauteous  things  wherewith  the  heavens  are 
bright: 

Thence  came  we  forth  to  re-behold  each  star. 


The  land  of  the 
southern  hemi- 
sphere shrank 
away  from  him 
as  he  fell,  and, 
after  he  was 
planted  in  the 
Center,   the 
ground  forming 
the  island  and 
mountain  of 
Purgatory  fled 
up  from  him, 
leaving  that  pas- 
$age  open 


Each  Cantica 
closes  with  the 
word  "stelle,^ 
stars.    This  the 
stubborn  Eng- 
lish rime  cannot 
always  manage 
to  the  letter 


PURGATORIO 


The  Dawn  of  Easter 

Sets  sail  the  little  vessel  of  my  mind 

And  henceforth  better  waters  furrowing 
Leaves  such  a  cruel  ocean  far  behind 

And  of  that  Second  Kingdom  will  I  sing 

Wherein  the  human  spirit,  purged  of  stain, 
Grows  worthy  to  ascend  on  heavenward  wing. 

Here  let  dead  poesy  arise  again, 

O  holy  Muses,  since  I  am  your  own. 
And  here  Calliope  uplift  her  strain. 

Companioning  my  singing  with  that  tone 

Whence  the  poor  Magpies  felt  so  stricken  through 
That  they  were  desperate  of  pardon  grown. — 

The  tender  oriental  sapphire  hue 

Suffusing  the  calm  heaven  from  midmost  height 
To  the  first  circle  down,  so  pure  and  blue. 

Cheered  up  mine  eyes  with  long-unfelt  delight 
Soon  as  I  issued  forth  from  the  dead  blur 
That  had  afflicted  both  my  heart  and  sight. 

The  planet  fair  that  is  Love*s  comforter 

Lit  with  her  smiling  all  the  eastern  skies. 
Veiling  the  Fishes  then  escorting  her. 

Turning  toward  the  right,  I  fixed  mine  eyes 

On  the  other  pole,  thereby  four  stars  discerning, 
Ne*er  seen  by  man  save  first  in  Paradise. 

The  heaven  appeared  enraptured  with  their  burning: 
Clime  of  the  northland,  O  how  widowed  thou. 
Since  these  have  been  withholden  from  thy  yearning ! 

When  from  their  view  I  could  avert  my  brow. 

Glancing  a  little  toward  the  north,  that  shone 
Where  the  bright  Wain  had  sunk  from  sight  ere  now. 


Scene:  An 
island  in  tke 
Southern  Ocean, 
at  foot  of  a 
loftier  Teneriffe 

Time:  The  ac- 
tion begins  be- 
fore dawn 
Easter  Sunday, 
A.D.  1300 

Characters:  All, 
save  the  pilgrim- 
poet,  shades  of 
the  dead 
Virgil  and 
Dante  appear  on 
the  plain  slop- 
ing from  sea- 
shore to  moun- 
tain-cliff 

As  he  is  facing 
toward  the  dawn- 
star,  the  four 
symbolic  stars 
are  near  the 
South  Pole. 
These  "sacred 
stars"  which 
appear  again  in 
Canto  xxxi 
probably  sym- 
bolize ^e  four 
Pagan  or  Car- 
dinal virtues  of 
Prudence,  Jus- 
tice, Fortitude, 
Temperance 


148 


Purgatorio 


The  shade  of 
Caio  of  Utica, 
warden  of  this 
region  outside  of 
Purgatory.    Ex- 
amples of  other 
just  Pagans, 
who  appear 
among  the  re- 
deemed,  are 
given  in  Parof 
diso  XX 


Near  me  appeared  an  elder  all  alone. 

Worthy  of  so  great  reverence  by  his  mien 
That  more  to  father  owes  not  any  son. 

Long  was  his  beard,  with  grizzled  streaks  between, 
And  like  thereto  the  crown  of  hair  he  wore 
Fell  to  his  breast  in  double  tresses  sheen. 

Beams  of  the  holy  luminaries  four 

Adorned  his  face  and  so  great  luster  shed, 
I  saw  him  as  though  the  sun  had  been  before. 

**Who  are  ye,  against  the  darkling  river  fled 

From  out  the  eternal  prison  void  of  day.f^^ — 
Moving  those  venerable  plumes,  he  said. 

"Who  was  your  lantern  or  who  led  the  way 
Issuing  forth  from  the  abysmal  gloom 
That  makes  the  infernal  valley  black  for  aye? 

Are  broken  thus  below  the  laws  of  doom? 

Or  has  in  Heaven  gone  forth  some  new  decree 
That  ye,  being  damned,  to  my  rock-caverns  come?" 

Straightway  my  Leader  laid  his  hold  on  me, 

And  what  with  word  and  hand  and  signal,  brought 
To  posture  reverent  my  brow  and  knee; 

And  then  replied:  "Of  myself  came  I  not: 
A  Lady  has  descended  from  the  sky. 
And  I  assist  this  man  as  she  besought. 

But  seeing  that  thy  questions  signify 

The  will  for  further  truth  about  us  twain, 
I  could  not  find  it  in  me  to  deny. 

This  man  saw  not  his  final  evening  wane. 
But  by  his  folly  was  so  near  thereto 
That  httle  time  was  left  to  turn  again. 

I  was  sent  thither  where  he  lay  i>erdue 

In  rescue,  as  I  said,  nor  was  there  road 
But  this  which  I  am  striving  to  pursue. 

To  him  all  circles  of  the  lost  I  showed; 
And  now  I  am  intending  to  display 
Those  spirits  who  are  purged  beneath  thy  code. 


VirgiVs  Appeal  to  Cato 


149 


How  I  have  brought  him  would  be  long  to  say: 
Comes  Virtue  from  aloft,  enabling  me 
To  give  him  sight  and  speech  of  thee  today. 

Now  look  upon  his  coming  graciously; 

He  goes  in  quest  of  freedom,  boon  how  dear 
Knows  that  man  who  with  life  has  paid  her  fee. 

Thou  knowest  it,  for  death  did  not  appear 
Bitter  to  thee  in  Utica,  there  leaving 
The  vesture  that  great  day  to  be  so  clear. 

No  law  eternal  by  our  act  is  cleaving, 

For  this  man  lives,  nor  Minos  is  my  lord; 
But  I  am  of  the  circle  where  are  grieving 

Marcia's  pure  eyes,  as  though  they  still  implored 

That  thou  wouldst  hold  her  thine,  O  holy  breast: 
For  her  love,  then,  thy  grace  to  us  accord. 

Let  us  throughout  thy  seven  kingdoms  quest: 
Thee  by  report  to  her  will  I  requite. 
If  word  of  thee  below  thou  sanctionest." — 

"Marcia  was  aye  so  winsome  in  my  sight 
Long  as  I  tarried  yonder ,''  he  repKed, 
"That  doing  all  her  will  was  my  delight. 

Now  can  she,  from  beyond  the  baleful  tide. 

Move  me  no  more,  by  law  which  took  effect 
When  I  passed  over  from  the  further  side. 

But  if  a  Lady  of  Heaven  prompt  and  direct 

As  thou  hast  said,  thy  bland  persuasion  hush. 
Sufficient  answer  for  her  sake  expect. 

Go  then  and  see  that  with  a  simple  rush 

Thou  gird  this  mortal,  washing  in  such  wise 
His  face  that  for  no  soilure  it  may  blush: 

For  it  were  unbecoming  that  with  eyes 

Beclouded,  he  appear  before  the  Prime 
Angel  who  is  of  those  of  Paradise. 

This  islet,  ere  the  slope  begins  to  cHmb, 

About  the  margin  where  the  billow  heaves. 
Is  fringed  with  rushes  in  the  oozy  slime. 


Symbolic  cleans- 
ing and  girding 
of  Dante.     The 
reed  is  symbol 
of  humility: 
Dante's  beset- 
ting sin,  as  we 
shall  see,  is 
igride 


150                             Purgatorio  \ 

.  No  other  plant,  of  such  as  put  forth  leaves  ' 

Or  harden,  could  survive  there,  since  not  bent  ) 

To  every  buffet  that  the  stalk  receives.  \ 

Put  all  returning  here  from  your  intent;  \ 

The  sun,  now  rising,  will  instruct  you  how  \ 

To  take  the  Mount  by  easier  gradient." —  I 

So  vanisht  he;  and  I,  uprising  now 

Without  a  word,  and  firmly  taking  stand  ^ 
Close  to  my  Leader,  bent  on  him  my  brow. 

"Follow  my  footsteps,  son,"  was  his  command, 

"Let  us  turn  backward,  for  from  here  this  lea  i 

Slopes  to  the  lower  limit  of  the  land." —  \ 

Now  did  the  shadowy  hour  of  morning  flee  \ 

Before  the  dawn,  so  that  from  far  away  ; 

I  caught  the  gusty  ripple  of  the  sea.  i 

We  walked  the  lonely  plain  as  wander  they  j 
Who  turn  back  to  the  pathway  lost,  and  who 
Until  they  find  it  seem  to  go  astray. 

When  we  had  reached  that  region  low  where  dew 
Contends  with  sun,  nor  in  the  chilly  air 
Disperses  while  the  beams  are  faint  and  few, 

Softly  upon  the  tender  herbage  there 

Both  of  his  outspread  palms  my  Master  placed;  \ 

Whence  I,  who  of  his  purpose  was  aware,  ^ 

Lifted  my  grimy  cheeks,  with  tear-stains  laced;  j 

There  to  my  features  he  restored  that  hue  | 

Which  by  the  spume  of  Hell  had  been  effaced.  i 

Cf.  the  fate  of      Then  to  the  lonely  seashore  came  we  two,  i 

t%5se«.  Inf.               Which  never  yet  upon  its  waters  found  | 

One  mariner  who  afterward  withdrew.  1 

Here  as  that  other  bade,  he  girt  me  round: 

O  miracle !  that  such  as  from  the  earth  j 
He  culled  the  humble  plant,  quick  from  the  ground 

Wlience  it  was  pluckt,  it  came  again  to  birth.  "■ 

< 


xxn 


Before  Sunrise 


151 


II 

The  Angel  Pilot 

The  sun  by  now  to  that  horizon  came 

The  arc  of  whose  meridian  is  at  height 
Just  at  the  point  above  Jerusalem: 

And,  circling  opposite  to  him,  the  Night 

Was  issuing  forth  from  Ganges  with  the  Scales 
Which  fail  her  hand  when  she  exceeds  in  might; 

So,  where  I  was,  the  cheek  that  glows  and  pales 
Of  fair  Aurora,  sallowed  with  the  ray 
Of  orange,  because  age  on  her  prevails. 

Beside  the  sea  we  pondered  on  the  way 

Like  folk  who,  lingering  still  along  the  shore. 
Hasten  in  heart  and  in  the  body  stay; 

And  as,  a  little  while  the  dawn  before, 

Mars  reddens  through  the  vapor  baleful-bright 
Low  in  the  west  above  the  ocean-floor, 

I  saw,  —  O  may  it  bless  again  my  sight !  — 
A  luster  coming  on  across  the  main 
With  speed  unparalleled  by  any  flight. 

And  when  I  let  mine  eye  awhile  remain 

Detached  from  it,  to  question  of  my  Guide, 
Larger  and  brighter  now  it  showed  again. 

Then  there  emerged  to  view  on  either  side 
A  whiteness  indistinct,  and  down  below 
Little  by  little  another  I  descried. 

My  Master  uttered  not  a  word,  till  lo ! 

The  first  white  spots  appeared  as  wings  to  shine. 
Then,  when  he  surely  did  the  Pilot  know. 

He  cried:  "Make  haste,  make  haste,  the  knee  incline. 
Fold  hands,  —  it  is  God*s  Angel!  thou  shalt  use 
Henceforth  to  see  such  ministers  divine. 

Look,  how  doth  he  all  human  means  refuse. 
Scorning  device  of  sail  or  oar,  nor  drew 
Aught  but  his  wings  npon  so  far  a  cruise; 


CorUrctst  the 
opening  of  Inf. 

a 

The   sun   is 
rising  here  at 
Purgatory,  night 
is  falling  at 
Jerusalem,  it  is 
midnight  on  the 
Ganges.    Cf.  the 
diagram,  Terrv- 
fie  Primer  of 
Dante,  p.  1^7, 
And  cf.  the  be- 
ginning of 
Canto  xxvii 


152 


Purgatorio 


Psalm  lU.  This 
passage  re^ers^ 
says  Dante,  by 
allegory  to  Re~ 
demption, 
morally  to  Con- 
version, anagog- 
ically  to  the 
departure  from 
earthly  slavery 
to  eternal  free- 
dom.   Cf.  letter 
to  Can  Grande, 
§7 

The  Ram  being 
wUh  the  Sun  on 
the  horizon,  the 
Sky-goat  vyill  be 
in  the  Zenith 


Look,  look  how  heavenward  he  holds  them  true, 
Fanning  the  welkin  with  those  plumes  eterne 
Which  do  not  molt  as  mortal  feathers  do!^' — 

Then,  near  and  nearer  come,  might  I  discern 
The  Bird  of  God  more  dazzling  than  before. 
Until  mine  eyes  that  with  the  blaze  now  burn 

Fall  down  undone.  But  he  drew  near  the  shore 
On  pinnace  light  and  rapid,  —  such  an  one 
The  water  swallowed  nothing  of  the  prore. 

Astem  the  Pilot  stood,  and  benison 

Celestial  showed  upon  his  face  devout: 
A  hundred  and  more  spirits  sat  thereon. 

"When  Israel  from  Egypt  issued  out," 

They  chanted  as  with  single  voice  the  lay. 
With  what  there  afterward  the  Psalmist  wrote. 

When  sign  of  holy  cross  he  made  them,  they 

Flung  themselves  one  and  all  upon  the  strand, 
And  swiftly  as  he  came  he  swept  away. 

There  huddled  they  together  close  at  hand 
Gazing  about,  like  strangers  to  the  place 
Endeavoring  new  things  to  understand. 

The  sun  was  shedding  everywhere  his  rays. 
And  with  the  arrows  of  his  radiance  now 
Did  Capricorn  from  middle-heaven  chase. 

When  the  new  people  Ufted  up  their  brow 
Toward  us,  saying:  "If  expert  ye  be 
In  faring  up  the  Mountain,  show  us  how." — 

And  Virgil  said:  "Ye  deem  perchance  that  we 
Have  some  experience  to  guide  us  here. 
But  we  are  also  pilgrims  as  are  ye. 

We  came  before  you,  and  not  long  whilere. 

By  road  so  rough  and  hard  that  the  ascent 
But  sport  henceforward  will  to  us  appear." — 

The  spirits,  among  whom  the  whisper  went 

That  I  was  still  a  living  and  breathing  one. 
Turned  deadly  pale  for  very  wonderment. 


Casella  153 

And  as,  to  hear  good  tidings,  people  run 

To  reach  the  olive-bearing  messenger. 

And  not  a  man  appears  the  throng  to  shun, 
So  one  and  all  the  happy  spirits  there 

Fastened  upon  me  hungrily  their  view, 

As  if  forgot  the  quest  to  make  them  fair. 
And  I  saw  one  of  them  who  forward  drew 

To  my  embrace  with  love  so  manifest 

That  I  was  influenced  the  Hke  to  do. 
O  insubstantial  souls  in  shadowy  vest! 

Thrice  did  I  clasp  my  hands  behind  that  shade 

And  drew  them  back  as  often  to  my  breast. 
Wonder,  I  think,  was  on  my  face  portrayed; 

Whereat  it  only  smiled  and  drew  away 

While  I  pursued  in  hopes  it  would  have  stayed. 
In  mellow  tones  he  gently  said  me  nay, 

And  knowing  him  thereby,  did  I  implore 

That  he  for  speech  a  little  while  would  stay. 
"As  loved  I  in  the  mortal  flesh  of  yore. 

So  loosed  I  love  thee  still,''  he  answered  clear, 

"I  stay  then;  but  why  pacest  thou  the  shore?" — 
*'To  this  place  where  we  are,  Casella  dear.  Of  this  friend 

To  come  once  more  I  make  this  pilgrimage;  ^^"i!^d7!i 

But  why  is  so  much  time  bereft  thee  here?" —  the  milder 

And  he:  "No  injuiy  can  I  allege,  '^/iM^l 

If  he  who  takes  up  when  and  whom  he  please  knoion  nwre 

Somewhile  denied  to  me  the  ferriage,  ^^  ^^f  J^ 

For  of  right  will  his  own  is  made.   Yet  these  Three  months 

Three  happy  months  accepts  he  verily  *»«^  2^^bih^ 

Whoever  longs  to  enter,  with  all  peace;  Year  of  peace 

Whence  I,  who  had  just  now  betaken  me  TH^.?^^^^  ^^ 

Where  Tiber  water  savors  of  the  brine, 

Have  been  received  by  him  benignantly. 
That  is  the  goal  where  now  his  wings  inchne; 

For  at  that  outlet  ever  gathers  what 

Falls  not  perdue  to  punishment  condign.** — 


begun 


154  Purgatorio  \ 

And  I :  "If  novel  law  abolish  not  >i 

Practice  or  memory  of  the  song  of  love  ■ 

That  used  to  solace  all  my  yearning  thought,  | 

I  pray  thee  grace  me  with  the  comfort  of  ] 

Thy  song,  for  in  the  body  travehng  ■ 

So  far,  my  heart  is  weary  here  above." —  j 

The  first  line  of  "Love,  deep  within  the  spirit  reasoning,"  j 

^"0^2               So  sweetly  he  began  to  sing  it  thus  | 

analyzes  in  his          That  still  the  dulcet  tones  within  me  ring.  j 

rre^^'  ^'""^^  ^y  Master  and  I  and  that  unanimous  ] 

Company  with  him  drew  such  rapture  thence  5 

As  if  no  other  care  encumbered  us.  i 

Still  hung  we  on  that  music  in  suspense. 

When  lo!  that  stately  elder:  "Laggard  crew  ] 

Of  spirits,  what  portends  this  negligence?  i 

Think  what,  delaying,  ye  neglect  to  do! 

Speed  to  the  Mount  to  slough  the  film,"  he  cried, 
"That  lets  not  God  be  manifest  to  you." — 

As  pigeons  that  are  feeding  side  by  side 

And  pecking  at  the  darnel  or  the  ear,  I 

Quiet  and  strutting  not  with  wonted  pride,  .\ 

U  aught  whereof  they  are  afraid  appear  | 

All  of  a  sudden  let  alone  their  food  j 

Because  of  being  assailed  by  greater  care,  j 

So  saw  I  that  newly-landed  multitude 

Forsake  the  song  and  scurry  tow'rd  the  height 

Like  them  who  go  but  wot  not  where  they  would:        ; 

Nor  any  less  precipitate  our  flight. 


Bodies  of  the  Shades  155 

m 

Antepurgatory 

While  sudden  flight  was  all  dispersing  thus 

That  flock  of  spirits  through  the  countryside 
Toward  the  Mount  where  reason  searches  us, 
I  drew  up  close  to  my  Companion  tried; 

And  how  without  him  had  I  kept  the  course? 
Who  up  the  mountain  would  have  been  my  guide? 
He  seemed  to  me  disturbed  with  self -remorse: 
O  soul  of  honor,  tender  conscience  good. 
How  little  fault  to  have  such  bitter  force! 
After  his  feet  the  hurry  had  subdued. 
That  of  all  action  mars  the  dignity. 
My  mind,  which  hitherto  in  durance  stood. 
Eagerly  rendered  its  attention  free; 

Then  turned  my  sight  toward  the  Hill,  supreme 
Of  peaks  emerging  skyward  from  the  sea. 
Behind  us  flamed  the  Sun,  whose  ruddy  gleam 
Before  me  broke  in  the  configurement 
Formed  on  me  by  the  stopping  of  its  beam. 
I  turned,  in  terror  of  abandonment  Dante  for  the 

Sidewise  and  half  around,  become  aware  'ki^sh^^^ 

The  ground  was  shadowed  only  where  I  went. 
Then  turning  round  to  me,  my  Comforter 

Began:  "Why  givest  thou  suspicion  room? 
Dost  thou  not  think  I,  guiding,  with  thee  fare? 
Already  it  is  evening  at  the  tomb 

Where  lies  the  body  of  me  that  cast  a  shade: 
Naples  received  it  from  Brundusium. 
Now  if  no  shadow  is  before  me  made, 

Like  wonder  in  the  heavens  dost  thou  behold. 
Whose  rays  are  not  by  one  another  stayed. 
The  Power  who  will  his  workings  not  unfold 
Makes  bodies  apt  to  suffer,  as  we  do, 
Torments  arising  both  from  heat  and  cold. 


156 


Purgatorio 


The  Riviera 
from  Turbia 
(near  Nice)  to 
the  Gulf  of 
Spezia  was 
traversed  by  a 
mountain-path 


One  Substance,  in  Three  Persons,  travels  through 
Illimitable  ways,  where  it  were  wild 
To  deem  that  human  reason  might  pursue. 

Be  to  the  fact,  O  mortals,  reconciled, 

For,  had  ye  power  to  see  all  things  and  learn, 
No  need  had  been  for  Mary  to  bear  child. 

And  ye  have  seen  without  fulfillment  yearn 

Those  whose  desire  would  have  been  satisfied, 
Which  now  is  given  to  them  for  grief  eterne. 

Of  Aristotle  and  Plato  I  speak,  —  beside 

Many  another.'^ — Here  his  brow  he  bent, 
Deeply  perturbed,  and  further  speech  denied. 

Meanwhile  toward  the  mountain-foot  we  went: 
A  cliff  so  steep  that  nimble  legs  would  be 
Of  small  avail  attempting  such  ascent. 

The  way  between  Turbia  and  Lerici 

Most  lonely  and  deserted  were  a  stair. 
Compared  with  that,  accessible  and  free. 

"Where  slojjes  the  mountain,  who  can  tell  me  where," 
The  Master  murmured,  staying  his  advance, 
"So  that  the  wingless  foot  may  clamber  there.'*" — 

And  while  he,  casting  down  his  countenance. 
Was  questioning  his  mind  about  the  way, 
And  up  along  the  rock  I  ran  my  glance. 

Behold,  off  to  the  leftward,  an  array 

Of  spirits  all  in  our  direction  bound. 

Though  seeming  not,  so  slow  of  pace  were  they. 

"Lift  up  thine  eyes,  good  Master,  and  look  round," — 
Said  I,  "some  who  may  help  are  coming  yon. 
If  yet  thy  wisdom  at  a  loss  be  found." — 

We  moved  along  a  thousand  steps  or  so. 
Finding  that  company  as  far  by  this 
As  a  good  thrower  with  his  hand  could  throw. 

When  at  the  foot  of  the  high  precipice 

Gathered  they  all,  compact  and  circumspect. 
Gazing  like  men  who  fear  to  go  amiss. 


Manfred  157 

"O  ye  who  ended  well,  O  souls  elect  !^ 

Virgil  began,  "in  name  of  that  sublime 

Peace  which,  I  think,  ye  one  and  all  expect, 
Tell  us  if  it  be  possible  to  climb 

The  Mountain  somewhere  by  a  slope  less  bold : 

For  irksome  to  the  wise  is  loss  of  time." — 
As  sheep  are  wont  to  issue  from  the  fold 

By  one  and  two  and  three,  the  rest  pursue 

Meekly,  and  eye  and  muzzle  downward  hold. 
And  what  the  first  one  does  the  others  do, 

And  if  she  stop  all  huddle  at  her  side. 

Nor  question  why,  the  quiet  silly  crew: 
So  moving  now  toward  us  I  descried 

The  column-leaders  of  that  happy  flock. 

Modest  in  face,  in  action  dignified. 
When  those  in  front  beheld  my  body  block  By  the  shadow 

The  light  upon  my  dexter  hand,  whereby  ^^Xtdy 

The  shadow  stretched  from  me  toward  the  rock, 
They  halted  and  withdrew  somewhat  more  nigh 

Those  following  behind,  and  all  the  rest 

Did  in  like  manner,  without  knowing  why. 
"I  frankly  tell  you,  without  your  request, 

This  is  a  human  body  that  ye  see. 

As  by  the  broken  light  is  manifest. 
Then  do  not  wonder,  but  persuaded  be 

That  not  by  heavenly  Power  unwarranted 

To  mount  this  barrier  endeavors  he." — 
The  Master  thus;  and  that  good  people  said: 

"Then  turn  about  and  enter  in  before," 

And  with  the  backs  of  hands  the  signal  made. 
"Whoever  thou  mayst  be,"  did  one  implore.  The  pregnani 

"While  pressing  forward,  hither  turn  anew:  ^'^U'^ 

Consider  if  thou  sawst  me  there  of  yore." —  deal  vnth  the 

I  turned  to  scan  him,  and  there  met  my  view  ^"Slit 

Fair  features  and  of  gentle  mien  and  blond,  fen  who  reigned 

Although  one  eyebrow  had  been  cloven  through.       ch^UV,T 


158 


Purgatorio 


sequiotis  to  the 
conqueror.     To 
feel  its  full  sig- 
nificance the 
reader  should 
know  much 
more  of  the  fads, 
both  political 
and  ecclesiasti- 
cal, than  can  he 
told  in  a  note 


Treating  the 
body  as  that  of 
an  excommunir 
cated  nder 


And  when  I  ventured  humbly  to  respond 

With  a  denial,  "Look !"  —  and  he  laid  bare 
Above  his  breast  a  sanguinary  wound. 

"Manfred  am  I,"  said  he  with  smiling  air, 

"Grandson  of  Empress  Constance:  whence  I  pray 
Thee  go,  returning,  to  my  daughter  fair. 

Mother  of  both  the  monarchs  who  bear  sway. 
One  in  Sicilia,  one  in  Aragon, 
And  tell  her  truth,  whatever  else  they  say. 

When  these  two  mortal  stabs  had  quite  undone 
My  body,  yielded  I  with  tears  contrite 
To  Him  who  willingly  gives  benison. 

Horrible  were  my  sins,  but  Infinite 

Bounty  has  arms  of  an  embrace  so  broad 
That  it  accepts  whoever  turn  to  it. 

And  if  Cosenza*s  Pastor,  who  at  nod 

Of  Clement  went  to  hunt  me  down,  had  known 
How  to  peruse  aright  this  page  in  God, 

Even  now  were  of  my  body  every  bone 

At  the  bridgehead  near  Benevento  trenched. 
Beneath  the  safeguard  of  the  heavy  stone. 

Now  scattered  by  the  wind,  by  the  rain  drenched. 
Beyond  the  kingdom  hard  by  Verde's  flow. 
Whither  he  carried  them  with  taj>ers  quenched. 

By  curse  of  theirs  no  soul  can  perish  so 

But  that  Eternal  Love  for  them  may  bloom 
While  hope  one  particle  of  green  can  show. 

True  is  that  such  as  die  beneath  the  doom 

Of  Holy  Church,  though  they  at  last  repent, 
Must  here  outside  the  precipice  find  room. 

Full  thirtyfold  the  time  that  they  have  spent 
In  their  presumption,  if  to  briefer  span 
Good  prayers  do  not  reduce  such  banishment. 

Hereafter  pray  rejoice  me,  if  thou  can. 

Revealing  to  my  gracious  Constance  dear 
How  thou  hast  seen  me  and  alas!  this  ban: 

For  much  those  yonder  may  advance  us  here." — 


A  Problem  in  Psychology  159 

IV 

The  Ascent  op  the  Mountain  Begun 

When  an  impression  of  delight  or  dole 

Works  on  some  faculty  of  ours,  and  thus 
Wholly  that  faculty  absorbs  the  soul. 

It  seems  of  other  force  oblivious; 

And  this  is  counter  to  that  erring  thought 
Which  would  enkindle  soul  on  soul  in  us. 

Therefore,  when  hearing  or  when  seeing  aught 
That  draws  the  soul's  attention  potently. 
Time  passes  by,  and  one  perceives  it  not; 

For  that  which  notes  it  is  one  faculty. 

Another  that  which  holds  the  soul  intent: 
This  is  preoccupied,  and  that  is  free. 

Hereof  I  made  a  true  experiment 

Listening  in  wonder  to  that  spirit  fair; 
For  now  the  Sun  had  fully  made  ascent 

Fifty  degrees,  and  I  was  not  aware. 

When  came  we  where  those  spirits  to  us  cried 
With  one  accord:  "Look,  your  desire  is  there!" — 

The  hedger  oft  an  opening  more  wide 

Blocks  with  a  forkful  of  his  brambles,  when 
Toward  the  vintage  grapes  are  purple-dyed. 

Than  was  the  passage  where  ascended  then 
My  Leader  and  I  after,  we  alone. 
While  all  that  flock  of  souls  were  lost  to  ken. 

You  mount  San  Leo,  drop  to  Noli  down. 
And  of  Bismantova  you  scale  the  height 
With  only  feet;  but  here  must  wings  be  grown, — 

I  mean  swift  pinions  that  are  fledged  for  flight 
With  great  desire,  behind  that  Leader,  who 
Was  giving  me  hope  and  holding  out  a  light. 

Hemmed  in  on  either  hand  we  mounted  through 
The  cloven  rock;  the  ground  whereon  we  trode 
Made  work  enough  for  feet  and  hands  to  do. 


The  TimcBus  of 
Plato  expounds 
the  theory  of  a 
mortal  and  an 
immortal  soid 
in  man 


So  that  it  is  now 
about  nine 
o'clock 

So  he  does  in 
Italy  today 


160 


Purgatorio 


More  than  ^5° 


Looking  easU 
ward  in  the 
southern 
hemisphere 


When  at  the  verge  of  the  high  bank  we  stood 
Aloft  upon  the  open  mountainside, 
I  asked:  "Which  way  pursue  we.  Master  good?"- 

"Be  wary  of  thy  foothold,"  he  replied; 

"Win  with  me  up  the  mountain  till  we  find 
One  who  may  prove  to  be  a  skillful  guide/^ — 

So  soared  the  peak,  it  left  the  sight  behind. 
And  steeper  far  the  slope  than  line  away 
From  middle  quadrant  unto  center  inclined. 

Weary  was  I  when  I  began  to  pray: 

"Dear  Father,  O  turn  hitherward  and  see 
How  I  am  left  alone  unless  thou  stay !" — 

"My  son,  draw  up  as  far  as  here,"  said  He, 
Pointing  me  to  a  ledge  just  overhead 
Circling  on  that  side  all  the  acclivity. 

So  sharply  spurred  me  on  the  words  he  said. 

That  I  crept  after  him  with  might  and  main 
Until  the  terrace  was  beneath  my  tread. 

There  to  sit  down  awhile  we  both  were  fain. 

Facing  the  East  whence  we  had  made  ascent; 
For,  looking  back,  a  man  takes  heart  again. 

Mine  eyes  at  first  to  the  low  shores  were  bent. 
Thereafter  lifted  to  the  Sun,  whose  glow 
Struck  us  from  leftward,  to  my  wonderment. 

The  Poet  well  perceived  me  gazing  so 

Upon  the  Car  of  Light  with  wonder,  where 
It  entered  between  us  and  Aquilo. 

Whence  he :  "If  Castor  and  if  Pollux  were 

Companions  with  that  mirror  which  sheds  back 
The  hght  divine  to  either  hemisphere. 

Thou  wouldst  behold  him  blaze  in  Zodiac, 
Unto  the  Bears  revolving  still  more  nigh. 
Unless  the  sun  should  quit  his  ancient  track. 

If  thou  wouldst  imderstand  the  reason  why. 
With  centered  thought  imagine  Zion-hill 
On  earth  set  over  against  this  mountain  high, 


Belacqua  Chaffs  Dante 


161 


So  that  they  both  have  one  horizon  still 

And  hemispheres  diverse;  then  wilt  thou  see, 
If  to  take  heed  thine  intellect  have  skill, 

How  the  highway  that  Phaeton,  ah  me! 

KJiew  not  to  course,  must  pass  upon  that  side 
This  mountain,  and  this  side  of  Zion  be.^ — 

**Truly,  my  Master,  never  yet,''  I  cried, 
"Saw  I  so  clearly  as  I  now  discern. 
Since  of  the  mark  my  wit  seemed  ever  wide. 

That  the  mid-circle  of  the  heaven  supern. 
Equator  in  a  certain  science  known. 
And  which  doth  still  'twixt  sun  and  winter  turn. 

Is  distant,  for  the  reason  thou  hast  shown. 

Northward  from  here  as  far  as  once  the  Jews 
Beheld  it  looking  tow'rd  the  torrid  zone. 

But  if  it  please  thee  well,  I  fain  would  choose 
To  know  how  far  we  clamber;  for  so  high 
Rises  the  Hill,  that  sight  in  vain  pursues  " — 

"This  mountain  slope  is  such,"  he  made  reply, 
"That  low  beginnings  ever  painful  seem; 
The  toil  decreases  climbing  tow'rd  the  sky. 

But  when  it  comes  about  that  thou  shalt  deem 
CUmbing  as  easy  as  to  ship  and  crew 
Seems  gliding  with  the  current  down  the  stream, 

Then  is  the  end  of  this  hard  road  in  view; 

There  may  thy  weary  Umbs  expect  repose; 
More  I  reply  not,  knowing  this  for  true." — 

No  sooner  had  he  said  such  words  as  those, 

Than  sounded  out  a  voice  near  by :  "Perchance 
He'll  have  to  sit  before  so  far  he  goes!" — 

Both  of  us,  turning  at  this  utterance. 

Saw  at  the  left  a  stone  of  massive  size 

Which  neither  had  perceived  at  the  first  glance. 

Thither  we  drew  apace,  till  met  our  eyes 

Persons  behind  the  rock,  with  shadow  blent. 
Lying  along  as  one  in  idlesse  lies. 


Jerusalem  is 
conceived  as  at 
the  antipodes  of 
Purgatory.    The 
course  of  the  sun 
must  therefore  be 
north  of  Purga- 
tory and  south 
of  Jerusalem. 
See  the  begin- 
ning of  Canto  ii 


162  Purgatorio  I 

And  one  of  them,  who  seemed  to  me  forspent. 

Was  sitting,  and  was  clasping  both  his  knees,  | 

Holding  his  face  deep  down  between  them  bent. 

**Look,  Master  mine,''  said  I,  "if  one  of  these  ■ 

Seems  not  more  overcome  with  lassitude  : 

Than  if  his  sister  had  been  slothful  Ease.'' —  \ 

At  this  he  bent  to  us,  and  understood. 

Moving  his  visage  up  along  his  thigh,  '  ] 

And  said:  "Now  up,  for  thou  hast  hardihood!" — 

Then  showed  he  features  that  I  knew  him  by. 
And  my  still  panting  breath  impeded  not 
My  going  to  him;  and  as  soon  as  I  I 

The  soul  of         Had  reached  him,  he  uplifted  but  a  jot 

wat7r^!^andt'  ^'^  ^^<^^'  ^^^  murmured :  "Seest  thou  how  the  Sun        \ 

friend  of  O'er  thy  left  shoulder  drives  his  chariot?" — 

^ugh'iMent  ^^^  ^^^^  ^'^^  ^"^.  P^^^^^  compactly  spun  , 

of  temperament.           Relaxed  my  lips  to  show  a  little  glee;  ; 

^iJ^ftr            "Belacqua,"  I  began,  "from  this  time  on  i 

tine  shrewdness    I  grieve  no  more  for  thee;  but  answer  me,  i 
^■^  "'*'                         Why  sitst  thou  here?  Awaitest  thou  a  Guide? 
Or  has  thy  wonted  mood  recaptured  thee?" — 
'^Brother,  what  use  in  cHmbing?"  he  replied; 

"The  Bird  of  God,  at  threshold  of  the  gate,  \ 

Would  not  admit  me  to  be  purified.  \ 

First  Heaven  must  needs  as  often  circulate  | 

Round  me  outside,  as  it  in  life  had  done,  I 

Since  I  delayed  repentance  till  too  late;  1 

It  is  noon  in      If  earlier  aid  me  not  some  orison  | 

^herefme^ihe  Breathed  forth  from  soul  with  living  grace  at  core;       1 

other  hemi"                What  boot  is  other  prayer,  unheard  up  yon?" —  I 

^^  j^  the  Already  went  the  Poet  up  before,  \ 

Morocco,  is  in             Saying:  "Come  on  now:  look,  the  Sun  is  bright  j 

niu'^A-          On  the  meridian,  and  at  the  shore  j 

ning  in  Morocco  Morocco  lies  beneath  the  foot  of  Night.'*— 


Dante's  Shadow  Startles  the  Shades         163 


Tragic  Deaths  of  Three  Noble  Souls 


Now  from  those  shades  departing,  I  betook 
Myself  my  Leader's  footmarks  to  pursue, 
When  one  behind  me,  pointing,  shouted:  "Look, 

The  sunbeam  seems  not  to  be  shining  through 

Leftward  from  him  below;  and  more  by  token 
He  seems  to  bear  him  as  the  living  do !" — 

I  turned  about  to  look  when  this  was  spoken, 
And  saw  them  gaze  at  me  for  marvel  —  yea 
At  me,  and  at  the  sunbeam  that  was  broken. 

"Why  is  thy  mind  diverted  from  the  way 

To  make  thee  loiter ?^^  said  my  Master  kind; 
"What  carest  thou  up  here  how  whisper  they? 

Come  after  me  and  let  them  speak  their  mind; 
Stand  like  a  tower  unwavering  and  stout 
Against  whatever  buffets  of  the  wind. 

For  he  who  thinks  about  it  and  about 

Falls  short,  forever  thwarted  of  his  aim. 
Since  one  thought  by  the  next  is  canceled  out." 

I  said,  "I  come!"  — how  answer  else  for  shame? 

And  said  it  with  that  flush  which  may  restore  us 
To  pardon,  if  we  worthily  lay  claim. 

Behold  now  people  who,  short  way  before  us 
Across  the  Mountain  passing,  as  they  go 
Sing  Miserere  verse  about  in  chorus. 

Seeing  my  body  interrupt  the  flow 

Of  sunlight,  and  enshadowing  the  plain, 
They  changed  the  singing  to  a  long  hoarse  Oh! 

And  in  the  form  of  messengers  came  twain 
Running  toward  us  from  that  multitude. 
Desiring  knowledge  of  om*  state  to  gain. 

"Ye  can  go  back,"  rephed  my  Master  good, 
"To  those  who  sent  you  forth,  and  certify 
That  this  man's  body  is  true  flesh  and  blood. 


A  lower  slope  of 
the  mountain. 
Early  afternoon 
of  the  first  day 


Implying,  per- 
haps, that  these 
souls  had  neg- 
lected action 
through  "some 
craven  scruple  of 
thinking  too  pre- 
cisely on  the 
evenf 


164  Purgatorio 

And  if  to  see  his  shadow  made  them  shy 
As  I  suppose,  let  this  reply  suffice: 
Him  let  them  honor,  profiting  thereby." — 

So  swift-enkindled  vapors  to  mine  eyes 

Never  the  sunset  clouds  of  August  clove 
Nor  flasht  at  fall  of  night  across  the  skies. 

But  these  in  briefer  time  returned  above; 

And,  there  arrived,  with  the  others  tow'rd  us  wheeled 
Like  squadron  without  rein  that  forward  drove. 

"Many  are  these  who  crowd  on  us  afield," 

The  Poet  said,  "to  make  thee  one  request; 
Yet  go  right  on  and,  going,  hearing  yield." — 

"O  pilgrim  soul  who  goest  to  be  blest 

With  those  Hmbs  fashioned  in  thy  mother's  mold. 
Stay  but  a  moment !" — cried  they  as  they  pressed. 

"Look  if  thou  sawest  one  of  us  of  old, 

That  thou  to  earth  mayst  tidings  of  him  bear : 
Pray  why  dost  thou  go  on?  pray  why  not  hold? 

We  all  were  slain  by  violence  whilere. 

And  sinners  till  the  final  hour  of  grace; 

Then  light  from  Heaven  made  us  so  well  aware 

That,  penitent  and  pardoning,  apace 

We  quitted  life  at  peace  with  the  Most  High, 
Wlio  heartens  us  with  yearning  for  his  face." — 

"Although  I  scan  your  lineaments,"  said  I, 
"Not  one  do  I  recall;  but  pray  ye  speak. 
If  aught  to  please  you  in  my  power  there  lie, 

And  I  will  do  it,  happy  spirits  meek. 

By  hope  of  peace  which,  following  up  the  Hill 
Jacopo  del  Cos-  Behind  such  Guide,  from  world  to  world  I  seek." — 

^S^itw::     And  one  began:  "We  aU  are  trusting  stiU 
man  of  Fano,  In  thy  good  service,  nor  need  oath  attest, 

7£^b^Zas.  ^  o^ly  weakness  do  not  cancel  will; 

sins  in  the  pay  Whence  I,  who  speak  alone  before  the  rest, — 
AztjoTm^oj  -^  \^\oVi  shalt  look  upon  that  land  one  day, 

Ferrara  Between  Romagna  and  that  of  Charles, — ^request 


Buonconte  and  la  Pia  165 

That  thou  of  courtesy  for  me  wilt  pray- 
In  Fano,  so  that  there  be  orisons 

To  help  me  purge  my  heavy  sins  away. 
Thence  came  I;  but  the  gashes  wherethrough  once 

Issued  the  blood  wherein  I  had  my  seat. 

Were  dealt  to  me  among  Antenor's  sons. 
There  where  I  fancied  safest  my  retreat: 

The  Este  had  it  done,  who  held  me  then 

In  anger  more  by  far  than  justly  meet. 
But  had  I  fled  toward  La  Mira,  when 

At  Oriaco  by  pursuers  found, 

Still  were  I  yonder  among  breathing  men. 
I  ran  to  the  marsh;  the  mud  and  reeds  around 

So  hampered  me  I  fell,  and  there  saw  I 

My  blood  become  a  pool  upon  the  ground." — 
"Ah,  by  that  yearning,''  did  another  sigh, 

"Whereby  to  the  High  Mountain  drawest  thou. 

Do  thou  aid  mine  with  pious  sympathy. 
I  was  of  Montefeltro,  merely  now  Buonconte  da 

Buonconte;  heeds  me  none,  not  even  Joan,  Montefeltro,  son 

.  .     .  of  the  renovmed 

Whence  among  these  I  go  with  downcast  brow. —  captain  who 

And  I:  "From  Campaldino  lost  alone  'P^^'  t  !"•^• 

^  xxmt.  Dante 

By  chance  wast  thou,  or  violence  malign,  himself  fought 

So  that  thy  burial  place  was  never  known?''—  *>  '^**  ^f^^  ""f 

"Un,"  said  he,  "runs  athwart  the  Casentine  {1289) 

A  stream  called  Archiano,  rising  o'er  ??^  contrast 

.  1    (.    .      A  r  between  the  story 

Ihe  Hermitage,  aloft  m  Apennme.  of  the  son  and 

There  where  it  answers  to  that  name  no  more  ^!^  ^^  the  father 

•  1  T  rt    1  **  marked  vntn 

Came  I  with  throat  empierced,  as  I  fled  artistic  intention 

On  foot  along  the  plain,  marked  with  my  gore. 
There  eyesight  failed  me,  and  the  prayer  I  said 

Paused  on  the  name  of  Mary;  there  I  fell. 

And  there  my  flesh  remained  untenanted. 
The  truth  I  speak  among  the  living  tell: 

God's  Angel  took  me :  *  Why  wilt  thou  be  stealing 

Mine  own,  thou  son  of  Heaven.'*'  cried  he  of  Hell; 


166  Purgatorio 

*Witli  his  immortal  art  thou  skyward  wheehng;  j 

That  part  I  forfeit  for  one  Uttle  tear;  \ 

But  with  the  other  use  I  other  dealing/ —  i 

Thou  knowest  how  gathers  in  the  atmosphere  j 

That  vaporous  moisture,  soon  to  water  turning  I 

By  the  chill  pressure  of  the  upper  sphere.  ' 

That  Evil  Will,  for  evil  only  yearning,  ; 

Endowed  with  native  power  intelligent,  '! 

Joined  and  moved  cloud  and  wind  with  fell  dis-         ? 

cerning.  ^ 

Thereafter,  when  the  day  was  fully  spent,  ] 
From  Pratomagno  to  the  Great  Yoke  fills 
With  fog  the  valley  and  veils  the  firmament 

And  into  water  the  teeming  air  distills; 

Down  through  the  gullies  comes  the  fallen  rain, —         ■ 

All  thirsty  earth  could  drink  not, — and  the  rills  : 

Into  great  torrents  gathering  amain,  j 

Headlong  toward  the  royal  river  bore  | 

With  such  a  rush  that  weir  and  dike  were  vain.  1 

Wild  Archiano  found  my  body  frore  j 

Hard  by  his  outlet,  sweeping  it  inert  I 

Into  the  Arno,  and  from  my  bosom  tore  i 

The  cross  I  made  me,  conquered  by  the  hurt;  j 
Whelmed  me  along  by  many  a  bank  and  shoal. 
Then  with  his  shingle  covered  me  and  girt." — 
Pia,  of  the  great  "Ah,  when  thou  turnest  to  an  earthly  goal, 

Tohmd  flung              ^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^*^^  ^^^^  *^^  ^^^^^  way,"—  ] 

by  a  faithless             The  second  ceasing,  followed  a  third  soul, —  ^ 

Ilif'^'^tltZg     "Remember  me,  who  am  Pia,  when  thou  pray;  i 

in  the  wilds  of             Siena  made  me,  by  Maremma  undone :  j 

^larJ^ma                  ^^  knows  who  ringed  me,  ringless  till  that  day,  | 

Espousing  me  with  gem  and  benison." —  ,1 


Can  Prayer  Alter  God's  Decree?  167 

VI 
Dante  the  "Stormy  Voice"  of  Italy 

When  breaks  the  game  of  hazard,  he  who  lost  First  day,  mid- 

Remains  behind  in  sorrow,  and  essays  tTZZ flank 

The  throws  again,  thus  learning  to  his  cost;  oj the  mountain 

With  the  winner  all  the  others  go  their  ways : 

One  in  advance,  one  plucks  him  from  the  rear. 

And  for  reminder  one  beside  him  stays. 
He  hastens, — all  soliciting  his  ear, — 

His  hand  goes  out  to  some,  who  leave  him  free, — 

And  from  the  pressure  of  the  crowd  gets  clear. 
So  I,  amid  that  thronging  company. 

Was  turning  to  them  here  and  there  my  face, 

And  making  promise,  extricated  me. 
The  Aretine  who  in  the  grim  embrace 

Of  Ghin  di  Tacco  perisht,  with  them  stood. 

And  the  other  who  was  drowned  while  giving  chase. 
There  prayed,  with  hands  in  suppliant  attitude, 

Frederick  Novello,  and  that  Pisan  son 

Who  proved  the  good  Marzucco's  fortitude. 
I  saw  Count  Orso,  and  the  soul  of  one 

Bereft  of  life  by  spite,  as  he  averred, 

And  envy,  not  for  any  trespass  done, — 
Pier  de  la  Brosse,  I  mean :  and  by  this  word 

Be  warned  the  Dame  of  Brabant  to  take  heed 

Lest  she  for  this  consort  with  baser  herd. 
As  soon  as  I  was  from  these  shadows  freed, 

Whose  one  prayer  was  that  other  prayer  benign 

Them  on  the  way  to  holiness  might  speed, 
Thus  I  began :  "It  seems,  O  light  of  mine,  Mneid  vi,  376 

In  one  text  thou  expressly  questionest 

That  orison  may  bend  decree  divine; 
And  yet  these  people  only  this  request: 

Can  it  be  possible  their  hope  is  vain? 

Or  is  to  me  thy  word  not  manifest?" — 


Paradise 


168  Purgatorio 

And  he  responded:  "What  I  wrote  is  plain, 
And  not  fallacious  is  the  hope  of  these 
K  one  consider  it  with  reason  sane, 

For  Top  of  Judgment  stoops  not  when  the  pleas 
Of  burning  love  do  in  a  moment  what 
These  do  who  here  await  the  slow  decrees. 

And  in  the  instance  where  I  tied  that  knot. 
Prayer  did  not  counterbalance  the  defect. 
Since,  from  God  disunited,  prayer  was  not. 

Howbeit,  waive  decision  in  respect 

To  doubt  so  deep,  till  she  interpret  this. 
Who  shall  be  light  'twixt  truth  and  intellect.  ^ 

In  the  Earthly     Be  assured  that  here  I  speak  of  Beatrice:  i 

Her  shalt  thou  see  above,  upon  the  crown  ] 

Of  this  same  Mountain,  smiling  and  in  bliss." —  1 

And  I :  "Lord,  let  us  hasten  to  be  gone,  .\ 

For  I  am  not  as  hitherto  forspent,  \ 

And  look,  the  hill  now  casts  a  shadow  down.'^ — 

**As  much  as  possible  of  the  ascent. 

Will  we  perform  today,''  responded  he,  1 

"But  other  than  thou  thinkest  is  the  event.  i 

Ere  thou  canst  climb  up  yonder,  thou  wilt  see 

Return  that  light  so  hidden  that  its  ray  ] 

Is  interrupted  now  no  more  by  thee.  j 

But  see !  there  is  a  spirit  making  stay  ; 

All,  all  alone,  and  looking  tow'rd  this  side;  i 

It  will  point  out  to  us  the  speediest  way.'* —  j 

We  thither  came.   O  Lombard  soul,  what  pride  ; 

And  lofty  scorn  thine  attitude  exprest. 
And  thy  slow-moving  eyes  how  dignified! 

As  we  came  on  he  proffered  no  request,  '] 

But  let  us  go  our  way,  calmly  surveying 
In  manner  of  a  lion  when  at  rest. 

Steadily  drew  up  Virgil  tow*rd  him,  praying 

Direction  where  ascent  might  best  be  made;  I 

But  he,  no  word  by  way  of  answer  saying,  ! 


'^Ahi  serva  Italia!  " 


169 


News  of  our  life  and  of  our  country  prayed. 

And  when  thereto  the  gentle  Guide  began, — 
"Mantua  — "  upleaped  that  all-secluded  shade 

From  where  before  he  stood :  "O  Mantuan, 
I  am  Sordello  of  thy  cityP  —  said  he. 
And  to  embrace  of  each  the  other  ran. — 

Hostel  of  woe,  ah,  servile  Italy, 

Vessel  unpiloted  in  a  great  storm. 
No  Lady  of  provinces,  but  harlotry! 

Eager  that  noble  spirit  was  and  warm 

To  welcome  there  his  own  compatriot. 
So  did  the  sweet  name  of  his  city  charm! 

While  now  in  civil  tumult  are  distraught 
Thy  living  citizens,  —  at  daggers  drawn 
Those  whom  one  wall  incloses,  and  one  moat. 

Make  search  aroimd  thy  seaboard,  wretched  one. 
And  after  in  thy  bosom  look  again. 
If  anywhere  within  be  unison ! 

What  boots  Justinian  adjust  the  rein 

If  ever  empty  be  the  saddle.^  Without 
Such  bridle  not  so  black  would  be  the  stain. 

Ah,  gentry,  ye  that  ought  to  be  devout 
And  let  but  Caesar  in  the  saddle  sit. 
Nor  leave  unheeded  what  God  pointed  out, 

Ix)ok  well  to  this  wild  beast,  consider  it, 
Ungoaded  by  the  spur  how  fell  it  grows 
Since  ye  laid  hand  up)on  the  bridle-bit ! 

O  German  Albert,  who  to  such  as  those 
Yieldest  this  wild  unruly  animal. 
And  oughtest  to  bestride  her  saddlebows. 

May  from  the  stars  upon  thy  issue  fall 

Just  judgment,  and  be  it  strange  and  manifest 
Such  that  it  may  thy  follower  appall! 

Thy  father  suffered,  and  thou  sufferest. 

Held  back  up  yonder  by  the  greed  of  you. 
The  garden  of  the  Empire  go  to  waste. 


Political  chaos 
of  that  age 


Of  what  avail 
the  Law  without 
a  'power  to  en- 
force? 

The  claim  of  the 
clergy  to  tem- 
jKnral  power 


Albert,  son  of 
the  Emperor 
Rudolph,  absen- 
tee King  of  the 
Romans 


170  Purgatorio  ^ 

Warring  f ami-     Come  look  at  Capulet  and  Montague,  \ 

GMiSiS'/IS'f  Monaldi  and  Filippeschi,  careless  prince,  ! 

These  dreading  that  which  those  already  rue.  \ 

The  counts  of     Come,  cruel  man,  and  see  thy  nobles  wince  j 

Santafiora  of  the  tj    j  •  ii_    •    i       . 

great  Aldobran-  Under  oppression,  cure  their  hurts,  —  nay  come  = 

desco  family.  See  Santafiora  how  secure  long  since !  • 

press^  by  Sa  ^ome  hear  the  outcries  of  thy  weeping  Rome  j 

(c/.  Canto  xi)  By  day  and  night,  a  widow  and  alone:  i 

"My  Caesar,  why  forsakest  thou  thy  home?'* 

Come,  see  thy  people,  how  their  love  is  grown; 
And  if  for  us  thou  have  no  sympathy. 
Come  and  take  shame  to  thee  for  thy  renown.  ; 

And  if  it  be  allowed  me,  Jove  most  High, 

Thou  who  for  us  on  earth  wast  crucified,  j 

Is  otherwhere  averted  thy  just  eye?  I 

Or  is  it  discipline  thou  dost  provide  < 

In  thy  deep  counsel,  for  some  useful  plan  ^ 

To  our  perception  utterly  denied?  ^ 

Swarm  in  Italian  towns  the  tyrant  clan,  j 

And  a  Marcellus  comes  incipient  \ 

In  every  churl  who  plays  the  partisan.  \ 

My  Florence,  thou  indeed  mayst  be  content  \ 

With  this  aside,  —  thy  withers  are  unwrung. 
Thanks  to  thy  people  all  so  provident.  i 

The  bow  of  justice  is  but  slowly  strung  ■ 

By  many,  who  let  no  random  arrow  fly:  ] 

Thy  people  have  justice  pat  upon  the  tongue.  i 

Many  would  put  the  pubhc  burden  by. 

But  answers  eagerly  thy  populace  ! 

Unbidden:  "Shoulder  to  the  wheel !^  they  cry.  I 

Good  reason  hast  thou  to  take  heart  of  grace :  \ 

If  sooth  I  say  the  facts  do  not  conceal,  '\ 

Thou  wealthy  and  thou  wise  and  thou  at  peace!  j 

The  Athenian  and  the  Spartan  commonweal,  ; 

Long  famed  for  art  and  law,  gave  feeble  proof  \ 

Of  civil  life  to  what  thy  deeds  reveal,  j 


Fickleness  of  Florence  171 

Who  with  such  foresight  weave  in  that  behoof, 
That  reach  not  to  the  middle  of  November 
The  filmy  threadlets  of  October's  woof. 

How  often  hast  thou  changed  (canst  thou  remember?) 
Law,  coinage,  offices,  time  out  of  mind. 
And  usage,  renovating  every  member. 

And  were  thy  memory  not  so  short  or  blind. 

Thou  wouldst  see  thyself  in  that  sick  woman,  fain 
A  little  rest  upon  her  couch  to  find. 

Who  would  by  tossing  ward  away  her  pain. 


172 


Purgatorio 


Late  afternoon 
of  the  first  day. 
Same  place  on 
the  mouniain- 
side 


Cf.  the  eulogy 
upon  VirgU, 
Inf.i 


VII 

The  Negligent  Princes 

After  the  courtly  and  glad  greetings  now 
Again  a  third  time  and  a  fourth  began, 
Sordello  drew  back  saying:  "Who  art  thou?" — 

"Ere  to  this  Mount  turned  any  soul  of  man 
Worthy  to  rise  with  God  to  be  enskied. 
My  bones  were  buried  by  Octavian. 

Virgil  am  I;  and  for  no  crime  beside 

Not  having  faith,  went  I  from  Heaven  astray." — 
So  forthwith  made  reply  to  him  my  Guide. 

Like  one  encountering  upon  his  way 

Some  sudden  wonder  which  he  stands  before, 
Doubting,  believing,  saying  yea  and  nay, 

Sordello  stood;  then  bowed  his  forehead  lower. 
Turning  to  greet  my  Leader  with  embrace 
More  humble,  where  lays  hold  the  inferior. 

"O  glory,"  exclaimed  he,  "of  the  Latin  race. 

Through  whom  our  language  showed  its  worth  so 

well, 
O  praise  eternal  of  my  native  place. 

What  merit  shows  thee  or  what  miracle? 
If  I  be  worthy  held  thy  news  to  know, 
Say  from  what  cloister  comst  thou,  if  from  Hell?" — 

"Through  all  the  circles  of  the  world  of  woe 
Am  I  come  hither,"  —  so  he  made  reply, 
"Moved  by  a  power  of  Heaven  whereby  I  go. 

Omitting,  not  committing,  forfeit  I 

Sight  of  the  Dayspring  where  thy  longings  rise, 
And  which  was  known  by  me  too  tardily. 

There  is  a  place  below  not  otherwise 

Tormented  save  with  gloom,  where  the  laments 
Are  uttered  not  in  wailing  but  in  sighs; 

There  I  abide  with  little  innocents 

Bitten  by  fangs  of  Death  and  all  undone 
Ere  yet  exempt  from  man's  maleficence; 


No  Ascent  by  Night                     173  \ 

i 

There  I  abide  with  those  who  put  on  none  j 

Of  the  three  holy  virtues,  yet  who  knew 

The  others,  following  guiltless  every  one. 

But  if  thou  know  and  can,  afford  some  clew  '. 

To  us,  whereby  we  may  arrive  apace  ] 

Where  Purgatory  has  beginning  true.^ — 

He  answered:  "We  are  bound  to  no  fixed  place;  i 

I  lawfully  may  wander  up  and  round,  • 

And  join  you  as  guide  for  my  allotted  space.  j 

But  look !  the  day  declining  to  the  bound,  ^ 

And  we  are  powerless  to  ascend  by  night;  I 

Then  let  us  think  of  pleasant  resting-ground.  I 
Souls  dwell  secluded  yonder  to  the  right: 

Unto  them  will  I  lead  if  thou  consent. 

Nor  will  acquaintance  be  without  delight." —  \ 
"How  so.^"  was  askt,  "if  any  made  ascent 

By  night,  would  he  be  then  inhibited 

By  another,  or  would  want  of  power  prevent.^" — 

"Look!"  and  the  good  Sordello's  finger  sped  < 

Along  the  ground,  — "the  sun  being  parted  hence 

Thou  couldst  not  even  cross  this  fine,"  —  he  said;  ', 
"l^ot  that  there  else  would  be  impediments 

To  going  up  save  shades  nocturnal,  —  they 

Would  trammel  up  the  will  with  impotence.  'I 

One  might  indeed  in  darkness  downward  stray,  ^ 

And  make  the  tour  of  the  whole  mountain-ring,  i 

While  the  horizon  prisons  up  the  day." —  i 

Then  said  my  Master,  as  if  wondering:  I 

"Now  lead  us  on  whither,  by  thy  report,  i 

We  may  have  some  delight  while  tarrying." —  < 

Thence  on  the  Mountain  was  the  distance  short  ! 

When  of  a  hollow  I  became  aware, —  | 

Valleys  down  here  are  hollowed  in  such  sort. 

"Yonder,"  proposed  that  shade,  "let  us  repair  i 

Where  inward-curving  slopes  a  dell  surround,  j 

And  dawning  of  new  day  await  we  there." —  j 

i 

} 
'I 
i 

1 


174  Purgatorio 

Now  level  and  now  steep,  a  pathway  wound 
That  led  us  to  a  margin  where  the  height 
Half  falls  away  before  that  hollow  ground. 

Gold,  silver  fine,  scarlet  and  pearly  white, 
Clear  Indian  wood  of  azure  loveliness, 
Or  fresh-flaked  emerald  would  be  less  bright 

Than  were  the  grass  and  flowers  in  that  recess : 
In  color  each  of  these  would  be  outdone 
As  by  the  greater  is  outdone  the  less. 

Nor  yet  was  Nature  a  mere  painter  yon. 

But  did  from  thousand  odors  sweet  distill 
A  subtly  blended  fragrance  known  to  none. 

Salve  Regina^  with  such  chanting  thrill 

The  souls  on  bloom  and  greensward  there  at  rest. 
Concealed  before  by  hollow  of  the  hill. 

'^Before  the  faint  sun  settle  to  his  nest," 

The  Mantuan  said  who  made  us  thither  swerve, 
"Do  not  my  guidance  among  these  request. 

From  vantage  of  this  bank  ye  will  observe 
The  features  and  the  acts  of  all  and  some. 
Better  than  down  among  them  in  the  curve. 

He  highest  placed,  to  whom  seems  burdensome 
That  he  neglected  what  he  ought,  for  song 
Upon  the  lips  of  others  finds  him  dumb. 

Was  Rudolph,  Emperor,  who  feels  the  prong 
In  unhealed  wounds,  fatal  to  Italy, 
While  healing  through  another  tarries  long. 
Philip  III  of     The  next,  who  seems  his  comforter  to  be, 
Henry  I  of  Governed  the  country  whence  the  waters  spring 

Navarre;  the  Moldau  bears  Elbe,  Elbe  to  the  sea, — 

France''  w  ^is  name  was  Ottocar,  far  better  king 

PhUip  the  Fair;  As  babe,  than  bearded  Wenceslaus,  his  child, 

the  stalwart  t     i  i  'ji  i     xi      • 

King  is  Peter  ^  luxury  and  idlesse  battenmg. 

of  Aragon,  hus-  That  small-nosed  one,  with  him  of  aspect  mild 

band  of  the  c       i         •  i  *i?     i. 

Constance  of  ^  close  m  counsel,  as  seems  manifest. 

Canto  Hi  Died  fleeing  and  left  the  fleur-de-Us  defiled: 


The  Company  of  Princes 


175 


Look  there,  how  he  is  beating  at  his  breast ! 
And  yonder  at  his  sighing  partner  glance 
Who  on  his  palm  has  laid  his  cheek  at  rest. 

Father  and  father-in-law  of  the  plague  of  France 

Are  these,  —  they  know  his  vicious  life  and  lewd. 
And  hence  the  grief  that  pierces  like  a  lance. 

He  who  so  stalwart  seems,  whose  song  in  mood 
Accords  with  that  of  him  of  virile  nose. 
Wore  girt  the  cord  of  every  manly  good; 

And  if  the  youth  who  yonder  doth  repose 

Behind  him  had  long  governed  in  his  stead. 
Worth  would  have  passed  from  vase  to  vase  in 
those; 

This  of  the  other  heirs  cannot  be  said : 

While  James  and  Frederick  the  kingdoms  sway. 
None  has  the  better  share  inherited. 

Not  often  rises  up  through  branch  and  spray 
Prowess  of  man;  it  is  the  Will  Divine 
In  order  that  from  Him  the  gift  we  pray. 

My  words  apply  as  well  to  the  aquiline 
As  to  his  fellow-singer,  Peter :  this 
Do  now  Apulia  and  Provence  repine. 

Matcht  with  the  seed  the  scion  goes  amiss. 

By  how  much  Constance  still  her  spouse  may 

praise 
More  than  can  Margaret  and  Beatrice. 

Look  at  the  monarch  of  the  simple  ways, 
Harry  of  England,  sitting  there  alone : 
Better  the  issue  that  his  branches  raise. 

That  one  of  them  whose  eyes  are  upward  thrown 
Is  Marquis  William,  humblest  among  these, 
For  whom  Alessandria  and  her  war  make  moan 

Both  Monferrato  and  the  Canavese." — 


He  of  the  virile 
7iose  is  Charles  I 
of  Anjou,  who 
defeated  Man- 
fred at  Bene- 
vento 


Dante  rates 
Peter,  husband 
of  Constance, 
far  above 
Charles  of 
Anjou,  husband 
of  Margaret, 
and  Beatrice, — 
whose  children 
are  mvxih  worse 
than  he.     These 
degenerate    sons 
of  Peter  and 
Charles  are  men- 
tioned again 
notably  in  Par. 
xix.   Harry  of 
England  is 
Henry  III, 
father  of  Edward 
I,  one  of  the 
greatest  of  medi- 
eval Kings. 
Marquis  Wil- 
liam is  the  good 
but   unfortunate 
rider  of  Mont- 
ferrai  {in  Pied- 
mont) 


176  Purgatorio 

VIII 

Happy  Interview  with  Departed  Shades 

Nightfall  in  the  Now  was  the  hour  that  melts  the  heart  anew 
S'^klZ'e  I"^  ^°y^g«'«  with  yearning  for  the  shore 

wait  the  prince*  The  day  beloved  friends  have  said  adieu. 

And  the  new  pilgrim  feels  the  pang  once  more 
Of  love,  on  hearing  from  the  far-off  land 
Bells  that  belike  the  parting  day  deplore. 
When  I  began  no  more  to  understand 

His  words,  on  seeing  a  soul  among  them  there 
Uprisen,  who  craved  a  hearing  with  its  hand. 
It  joined  both  palms  and  lifted  them  in  air. 
Fixing  its  eyes  toward  the  orient, 
As  saying  to  God,  —  "I  have  no  other  care!" — 
'^Before  the  close   Te  lucis  ante  in  notes  so  sweetly  blent 
kncmm'to  au"^  Came  from  those  lips  devout,  all  my  concern 

good  Catholics,  Lapsed  and  was  lost  in  rapturous  content. 

Thelast'^fof  ^  ^^^  t^^t  soul,  the  others  in  their  turn 
^he  day  With  sweet  devotion  did  the  hymn  pursue. 

Holding  their  eyes  upon  the  wheels  super n. 
To  truth  here.  Reader,  sharpen  well  thy  view. 
For  verily  so  thin  becomes  the  veil 
That  it  is  easy  passing  inward  through. 
I  saw  that  gentle  army  in  the  dale 
Silently  gazing  afterward  on  high 
As  if  in  expectation,  meek  and  pale: 
Then  issuing  and  descending  from  the  sky 

Two  angels  with  two  swords  whence  flames  were 

gleaming, 
But  broken  and  deprived  of  points,  saw  I. 
As  green  as  tender  leaflets  freshly  teeming, 

Their  raiment,  beaten  and  blown  by  pinions  green. 
In  airy  wafture  was  behind  them  streaming. 
Above  us  one  took  post  with  guardian  mien. 
The  other  aUghted  on  the  further  marge 
So  that  the  people  were  contained  between. 


Judge  Nino  Visconti 


177 


Their  blond  heads  saw  I  clearly,  but  surcharge 
Of  radiance  concealed  each  glorious  face 
Baffling  my  vision  with  a  Kght  so  large. 

"From  their  embosoming  in  Mary's  grace/' 

Sordello  said,  "to  guard  the  vale  these  two 
Come,  for  the  Serpent  will  arrive  apace/' — 

Whence  I,  because  nowise  the  way  I  knew. 
Strove  by  the  trusty  shoulders  to  remain 
Close  sheltered,  for  I  felt  me  frozen  through. 

"Now  go  we  down,''  Sordello  said  again, 

"And  with  the  mighty  shades  exchange  replies: 
To  bid  you  welcome  will  they  all  be  fain." — 

Three  paces  peradventure  might  suffice 

For  my  descent;  and  one  did  gazing  pore 
Upon  me,  as  in  hope  to  recognize. 

Already  was  the  air  endarkened  more. 

But  not  so  that  between  his  eye  and  mine 
It  failed  to  show  what  it  had  lockt  before. 

Tow'rd  me  he  comes  and  I  to  him  inchne : 
Noble  Judge  Nino,  happy  was  my  case 
When  I  beheld  thee  not  of  the  mahgn ! 

Silent  between  us  was  no  word  of  grace; 

Whereon  he  askt:  "How  long  since  camest  thou 
Through  the  far  waters  to  the  Mountain's  base,^" 

"Oh!"  said  I,  "out  of  dismal  caves  below 

This  morning  come,  in  the  JSrst  life  am  I, 
But  hope  to  gain  the  other,  going  so." — 

As  soon  as  ever  heard  they  my  reply, 

Sordello  and  that  spirit  backward  drew 
Like  startled  folk  whose  impulse  is  to  fly. 

One  turned  to  Virgil,  and  the  other  to 

A  soul  there  seated:  "Conrad,  look,  the  Lord 
Has  willed  through  Grace  a  wondrous  thing  to  do  !"- 

Then  turned  to  me:  "By  thanks  thou  must  accord 
To  Him  for  special  grace,  who  doth  so  hide 
His  own  first  motive  that  it  has  no  ford, 


Jvdge  Nino 
Visconti,  Pisan 
governor  of  the 
Province  of  Gal- 
luroy  Sardinia 


Sordello  has 
been  preoccu- 
pied vnth  Virgil, 
and,  the  sun  be- 
ing behind  the 
Mountain, 
Dante's  shadow 
was  not  visible 


178 


Purgatorio 


His  tindow  had 
married  one  of 
the  Visconti  cf 
Milan,  whose 
cognizance  was 
the  Viper 


Symbolizing  the 
Christian  vir- 
tues, as  the  four 
mentioned  in 
Canto  i  sym- 
bolize the  Pagan 
virtues  oj  every- 
day life 

This  incursion 
of  the  Serpent 
into  the  abode  of 
the  dead  is 
purely  allegori- 
cal 


When  thou  shalt  be  beyond  the  billows  wide, 
Say  to  my  Joan  that  she  for  me  implore 
Where  answer  to  the  pure  is  not  denied. 

I  think  her  mother  cares  for  me  no  more. 

Since  she  has  laid  aside  her  wimples  white 
Which  she,  poor  thing,  shall  yet  be  craving  for. 

By  her  example  may  be  seen  aright 

How  brief  the  fire  of  love  in  woman's  breast 
Unless  rekindled  oft  by  touch  or  sight. 

Less  fair  an  emblem  for  her  burial  chest 
The  Viper  leading  Milan  to  the  field. 
Than  would  have  been  the  Cock,  Gallura's  crest  !^'- 

While  he  was  speaking  thus,  his  face  revealed 

That  upright  zeal  wherewith  the  heart  may  be 
Aflame,  and  in  due  measure  stampt  and  sealed. 

Ranging  the  heavens  my  eager  eyes  could  see 

Only  the  place  where  most  the  stars  are  slow. 
As  in  a  wheel  nearest  the  axletree. 

"Son,"  said  my  Guide,  "at  what  art  gazing  so?" 
"At  those  three  starry  torches,"  I  replied, 
"Wherewith  the  hither  Pole  is  all  aglow."- 

*Low  are  the  splendid  stars  on  yonder  side. 

Those  four  thou  sawst  at  early  dawn  today. 
And  in  their  places  these  are  now  enskied." — 

Sordello  seized  him  as  he  thus  did  say. 

Exclaiming:  "See  our  enemy  advance!" 
With  finger  guiding  him  to  look  that  way. 

At  that  part  where  the  little  valley  slants 

Devoid  of  barrier,  crept  a  Snake  along, — 
Such  offered  Eve  the  bitter  food,  perchance. 

The  evil  streak  the  grass  and  flowers  among. 

With  head  reversed  like  beast  that  licks  its  fell. 
Came  undulating  on  with  dartling  tongue. 

I  did  not  see  and  cannot  therefore  tell 

How  the  celestial  hawks  their  stations  left. 
But  saw  the  motion  of  each  sentinel. 


Praise  of  the  Malaspina  Family  179 


Feeling  the  air  by  their  green  pinions  cleft. 
The  Serpent  fled;  both  wheeling  up  as  one 
The  angels  hghted,  having  barred  the  theft. 

The  shade,  that  close  beside  the  Judge  had  drawn 
When  he  exclaimed,  had  not  removed  its  eyes 
Cleaving  to  me  till  that  assault  was  done. 

"So  in  the  taper  hghting  to  the  skies 

The  wax  of  thy  free  will  may  not  abate 
Until  thou  reach  the  flowery  Paradise,^ 

Began  he,  "canst  thou  tidings  true  relate 
Of  Valdimagra,  or  of  region  nigh. 
Tell  it  to  me,  for  there  I  once  was  great. 

Conrad  the  Malaspina  called  was  I; 

The  elder  not,  although  from  him  descended; 
My  love  of  kindred  here  I  purify.^ — 

"Oh,"  cried  I,  "through  your  land  I  never  wended. 
But  where  in  Europe  dwells  one  so  forlorn 
As  never  to  have  heard  their  fame  commended? 

Renown  and  honor  that  your  house  adorn 

Proclaim  the  land,  proclaim  her  every  lord, 
So  that  he  knows  who  never  reacht  that  bourn. 

And  by  my  pilgrim  hope  I  give  my  word 

Your  honored  kindred  do  not  strip  away 
The  virtue  of  the  purse  and  of  the  sword. 

Chartered  by  custom  and  by  nature,  they 

Though  the  bad  leader  warp  the  world  aside, 
Alone  go  straight,  and  scorn  the  evil  way." — 

And  he:  "Now  look, — ^seven  times  shall  not  abide 
The  sun,  returning  back  within  the  bed 
The  Ram's  four  feet  now  cover  and  bestride. 

Ere  this  opinion,  courteously  said. 

With  better  nails  than  hearsay  hammered  home. 
Shall  pierce  the  very  middle  of  thy  head, 

Unless  arrested  be  the  course  of  doom.^ — 


Dante  was  the 
honored  guest 
of  the  Mala- 
spina in  the 
Lunigiana  in 
1306 


180 


Purgatorio 


The  lunar 
Aurora  appears 
around  the  con- 
stellation of  the 
Scorpion 


The  other  four, 
having  cast  off 
the  inheritarwe 
from  Adam,  ap- 
parently do  not 
sleep.    Dreams 
just  before  dawn 
are  deemed  pro- 
phetic or  in  some 
way  true 


The  reference  to 
the  woes  of  the 
swallow  recalls 
the  tragic  story 
of  Procne  {the 
nightingale)  and 
Philomela  {the 
swallow).    Cf. 
Canto  ocvii, 
19-21 


IX 

The  Symbolic  Gate 

Now  did  the  mistress  of  Tithonus  hoar 

Show  at  the  eastern  window,  clad  in  white, 
Forth  from  the  arms  of  her  dear  paramour; 

Her  brow  was  ghttering  with  jewels  bright 
Set  in  the  figure  of  that  monster  cold 
Which  strikes  at  people  with  his  tail;  and  Night 

Had  two  already  of  the  paces  told 

Wherewith  she  rises  where  our  steps  were  stayed, 
And  the  third  hour  began  her  wings  to  fold, 

When  I,  on  whom  something  of  Adam  weighed. 
Conquered  by  slumber,  sank  upon  the  lawn 
Where  all  we  five  the  nightly  vigil  made. 

Upon  the  hour  when,  very  near  to  dawn, 
Begins  the  twittering  swallow  to  repine, 
Perchance  in  memory  of  her  woes  foregone. 

When  anxious  thoughts  less  narrowly  confine, 

And  when  the  pilgrim  soul,  from  flesh  more  free. 
Is  in  her  visions  very  near  divine. 

Then  poised  aloft  did  I  apjjear  to  see 

An  eagle,  with  gold  plumage,  in  my  dream, 
With  open  wings,  intent  to  swoop  at  me; 

And  I  was  in  that  place,  or  so  did  seem. 

Where  Ganymede  was  torn  from  friends  away. 
Up  to  the  synod  of  the  gods  supreme. 

"Perchance  this  bird  strikes  here,"  I  seemed  to  say, 
"Only  by  habit,  and  from  otherwhere 
Scorns  with  his  claws  to  carry  up  the  prey." — 

Methought  then,  having  wheeled  a  Kttle  there, 
He,  terrible  as  thunderbolt,  descended 
And  snatcht  me  upward  to  the  fiery  sphere. 

There  he  and  I  seemed  with  the  burning  blended. 
And  so  the  imagined  fire  seemed  scorching  me 
That  of  necessity  my  sleep  was  ended. 


Santa  Lucia  Carries  Dante  Up 


181 


Even  as  Achilles  shuddered  once,  when  he 

Found  himself  gazing  round  with  wakened  eyes, 
Not  knowing  in  what  quarter  he  might  be. 

What  time  his  mother  him,  her  sleeping  prize. 
From  Chiron  in  her  arms  to  Scyros  bore. 
Whence  later  the  Greeks  took  him, — in  such  wise 

I  shuddered  when  fled  sleep  away  before 
The  face  of  me;  and  palhd  did  I  stand. 
Even  as  a  man  with  terror  stricken  frore. 

My  Comforter  alone  was  near  at  hand; 

The  sun  above  two  hours  had  made  ascent. 
And  I  was  facing  now  toward  the  strand. 

"Fear  nothing,'*  was  my  Lord's  admonishment, 
"Be  reassured,  for  we  are  in  good  state; 
Relax  not,  but  be  every  sinew  bent. 

Now  art  thou  come  to  Purgatory-gate: 

Lo  there  the  cHff  that  closes  round  it,  lo 
The  entrance  where  it  seems  to  penetrate. 

At  dawn  of  day  a  little  while  ago. 

As  slept  thy  soul  within  thee  on  the  bed 

Of  flowers  that  deck  the  meadow  down  below, 

A  Lady  came,  and  T  am  Lucy,'  said; 

'Let  me  take  up  this  sleeper;  it  is  meet 
That  so  he  be  upon  his  journey  sped.' 

With  the  other  noble  forms  in  that  retreat 

Sordello  stayed;  she  took  thee,  and  with  day 
Came  upward,  and  I  came  where  fell  her  feet. 

She  laid  thee  here;  that  open  entrance- way 
With  her  fair  eyes  first  having  pointed  out. 
Together  then  with  sleep  she  went  away." — 

Like  one  who  wins  assurance  after  doubt. 
And  into  confidence  converts  his  fear 
When  truth  is  known,  so  did  I  change  about ; 

And  when  my  Leader  saw  me  free  from  care. 
He  started  up  along  the  cHff  again 
Toward  the  height,  and  I  pursued  him  there. 


Awakening  two 
hours  after  sun- 
rise, Dante 
learns  that  his 
dream  was  in- 
deed symboli- 
cally true 


182                             Purgatorio  1 

! 

Reader,  thou  seest  how  I  exalt  my  strain,  \ 

And  therefore  do  not  hold  it  strange  if  by  ' 

More  cunning  art  I  now  the  theme  sustain.  \ 

We  reached  a  point,  as  we  were  drawing  nigh,  j 

Whence  what  first  seemed  a  wall  that  had  incurred        ] 

A  fissure,  now  threw  open  to  the  eye  '> 

The  Door  of      A  door,  and  steps  beneath,  first,  second,  third,  i 

Ward^aJ'the          ^or  access  to  it,  all  diverse  of  hue,  | 

three  symbolic             And  a  gate-keeper  who  yet  spoke  no  word.  ■ 

caUy,  the  steps'  ^^^  ^^  ^  Opened  more  mine  eye  thereto,  i 

are  Confession,            I  saw  him  sitting  on  the  upper  stair,  ' 

Anagogically  Such  in  the  face  I  could  not  bear  the  view. 

they  may  repre-  He  held  a  sword  whereof  the  blade  was  bare,  \ 

white  jmrity  of            Which  shed  a  sheen  so  dazzHng  to  our  viewing  \ 

Christ;  second.            That  oft  in  vain  I  raised  my  glances  there.  \ 

Christ  breaJcing    "Stand  there  and  tell  what  aim  ye  are  pursuing;  \ 

and  making  con-           Where  is  the  escort!^^' — he  began  to  say,  j 

trite  the  black  //t»  i     .  •  i  i    •       .« 

heart;  third,  the            Beware  lest  commg  up  be  your  undomg!"—  j 

redeeming  blood  My  Master  answered  him:  "This  very  day  i 

of  Christ.     The             .   T     .       CTT                           i.^i  i 

Adamant:  the             ^  -Lady  of  Heaven,  aware  how  to  proceed,  ] 

sure  fouridation           Bade,  *Thither  go,  there  is  the  entrance-way!'" —  j 

111).  The  Angel  "And  may  she  all  your  steps  with  blessing  speed,"  ' 

is  the  priest.^              Rejoined  the  Gate-keeper  in  courteous  tone,  ' 

the  mortal  sins.          "Come  to  our  stair  then,  as  it  is  decreed." —  '■ 

The  Keys,  those  Thither  we  Came:  a  great  white  marble  stone  I 

^^^^"  ^    *                  Was  the  first  stair,  so  polisht  and  so  terse  I 

That  in  it  was  my  very  image  shown.  \ 

The  second,  tinct  of  deeper  hue  than  perse,  j 

Was  rugged  rock,  scorcht  with  corrosive  stain,  i 

And  cloven  through  both  lengthwise  and  traverse.         : 

The  third,  which  from  above  thrusts  down  amain,  \ 

Seemed  to  me  porphyry,  as  luminant 

As  red  blood  spirting  from  a  master- vein.  < 

Upon  this  last  one  both  his  feet  did  plant  I 

Th'  Angel  of  God,  who  sat  the  threshold  warding. 

Which  seemed  to  me  of  stone  of  adamant.  ■ 


The  Two  Keys 


183 


Up  the  three  steps,  mine  own  good  will  according, 
Drew  me  my  Guide,  and  said :  "Humbly  request 
That  he  unlock,  admittance  thus  affording." — 

Devoutly  fell  I  at  the  footpalms  blest; 
For  mercy  craved  the  opening  to  me; 
But  first  I  smote  me  thrice  upon  the  breast. 

With  sword-point  he  inscribed  the  letter  P 

Sevenfold  upon  my  forehead :  "Once  inside. 
Take  heed  to  wash  away  these  wounds," — said  he. 

Ashes,  or  earth  which  has  been  digged  and  dried. 
Would  match  the  hue  of  his  habiliment, 
And,  drawn  from  underneath  it,  I  descried 

Two  keys,  one  gold,  one  silver  instrument; 

Now  with  the  white,  then  with  the  yellow  too. 
He  plied  the  gate  until  I  was  content. 

"Should  either  key  the  fastening  not  undo, 
Within  the  wards  inadequately  plying," 
Said  he  to  us,  "blockt  is  the  passage  through. 

More  dear  is  one,  the  other  one  relying. 

Ere  it  unlock,  on  passing  craft  and  wit. 
For  this  one  brings  the  knot  to  its  untying. 

Peter,  who  gave  them,  said  'twere  better  fit. 

When  people  at  my  feet  were  prostrate  lain, 
To  err  by  opening  than  shutting  it." — 

He  pusht  the  portal  of  the  holy  fane : 

"Enter,"  said  he,  "this  knowledge  with  you  bring- 
ing,— 
Whoso  looks  backward  goes  outside  again." — 

And  when  upon  their  sockets  were  set  swinging 
The  pivots  of  that  consecrated  door. 
Hinges  of  metal  stout,  sonorous  ringing, 

Not  so  discordant  seemed,  nor  did  so  roar 
Tarpeia,  when  away  from  her  was  rended 
The  good  Metellus,  whence  grew  lean  her  store. 

I  turned  away,  and  the  first  note  attended : 

Te  Deum  laudamus  on  mine  ear  was  stealing 
In  voices  with  sweet  music  interblended. 


The  silver  sym- 
bolizes the 
knowledge  of 
human  nature 
which  enables 
the  priest  to 
judge  of  the 
genuine  nature 
of  the  penitence; 
the  golden,  the 
power  of  abso- 
lution 


According  to  the 
poet  Lucan,  the 
Tarpeian  rock 
bellowed  when 
CoBsar  put  aside 
the  Tribune  and 
violated  the 
treasury.     The 
reason  why  the 
door  of  Purga- 
tory creuks  is 
merdioned  at  the 
beginning  of  the 
next  canto 


184  Purgatorio 

Then  listened  I  with  such  a  raptured  feeling 
As  often  overcomes  the  soul  down  here. 
When  sing  the  people  to  the  organ  pealing, 

And  now  the  words  are  muffled,  now  ring  clear. 

Note  to  first  line  page  182 

The  sensitive  reader  will  not  fail  to  feel  the  singular  loftiness  o! 
the  style.  The  scenery  wherein  the  falling  asleep  and  the  awakening 
of  the  Poet  are  framed;  the  imagery  of  the  lunar  aurora  in  the  great 
constellation  of  the  Scorpion;  the  dim  imaginations  of  his  dream  and 
the  contrast  between  its  seeming  violence  and  the  placid  action 
which  it  shadows;  then  the  effect  of  Virgil's  narrative  upon  Dante's 
mind  and  mood, — all  these  circumstances  form  a  symmetrical  avenue 
of  approach,  flanked  by  the  converging  lines  of  the  dream  and  its 
answering  reality.  Hitherto  we  have  been  delayed  outside  the 
Christian  Acropolis,  first  in  the  plain  by  the  seaside,  then  upon  the 
lower  slopes  of  the  Mountain;  now  we  draw  near  to  the  mystic 
Propylseum.  Invited  by  the  courteous  Gatekeeper,  we  are  drawn 
with  our  good  will  up  the  three  symbolic  steps.  The  first  of  these 
may  be  taken  as  an  emblem  of  the  white  purity  of  Christ  wherein  we 
behold,  as  in  an  accusing  mirror,  the  stains  which  we  have  come  to 
purge  away.  The  second  step,  dark  and  rough  and  scorched,  of  mas- 
sive stone  cracked  lengthwise  and  across,  brings  the  broken  and 
contrite  heart  in  contact  with  the  Cross  of  Christ;  while  perhaps 
the  third,  which  seemed  porphyry  flaming  like  blood  from  a  master 
vein,  denotes  acceptance  on  the  part  of  the  pilgrim  of  the  redeeming 
blood  of  Christ.  The  Bird  of  God  who  sits  above  the  threshold  of 
adamant  typifies  the  Priest  receiving  confession  by  authority  of  the 
Church.  Here  should  be  borne  in  mind  the  Poet's  explanation  in  his 
letter  to  Can  Grande  of  the  various  ways  in  which  his  poem  may  be 
read:  it  has  meanings  literal,  moral,  allegorical,  anagogical, — now 
this  meaning  and  now  that  one  shining  out,  and  sometimes  two  or 
three  different  meanings  dazzling  the  reader  with  their  iridescence. 
Thus  here  the  threshold  of  adamant  is  a  member  of  an  architectm*al 
structure,  while  allegorically  it  refers  to  the  .solid  foundation  upon 
which  Christ  built  the  Church,  morally  to  the  steadfastness  appro- 
priate to  the  confessor,  and  anagogically  (as  Torraca  suggests)  to  the 
light  of  Grace. 

The  purpose  of  the  invocation  is,  in  the  light  of  theseconsiderations, 
clear.  The  reader  will  not  have  failed  to  note  how  habitually  Dante 
descends  at  the  close  of  a  canto  to  some  moral  exhortation,  some 
bitter  invective,  some  piece  of  satire;  and  the  loftier  the  theme  of 
the  canto  the  more  studiously  homely  is  the  phrasing  of  such  descent 
to  earth.  There  is  such  a  descent  to  the  language  and  needs  of  little 
people  (mulierculse)  at  the  close  of  the  preceding  and  of  the  succeeding 
canto.  Such  descents  are  more  frequent  as  we  go  up  and  on.  But  in 
this  canto  there  is  no  descent,  and  the  Poet  challenges  the  reader  not 
to  wonder  if  he  uses  more  art  to  support  the  exalted  matter  of  his  song. 


Terrace  of  the  Proud 


185 


The  Marvelous  Carved  Walls 

When  once  within  the  threshold  of  the  gate, 
Which  souls  disuse  through  evil  inclination 
To  make  the  crooked  pathway  appear  straight, 

I  felt  it  closed  by  its  reverberation : 

And  if  I  had  turned  back  mine  eyes  thereto, 
What  for  the  fault  were  fitting  exculpation? 

A  fissured  rock  were  we  ascending  through, 
Which  did  to  this  side  and  the  other  sway 
As  waves  advancing  and  receding  do. 

"Now  must  a  little  skill  come  into  play, 

In  keeping  close,  now  here,^^  my  Leader  said, 
"Now  yonder,  to  the  side  that  curves  away/* — 

So  scantily  our  steps  were  making  head 

That  the  moon's  waning  disk  had  time  thereby 
To  settle  down  to  rest  within  her  bed. 

Before  we  issued  from  that  needle's  eye. 

But  when  we  reached  a  free  and  open  land 
Above,  where  gathers  back  the  mountain,  I 

Being  weary,  both  uncertain  on  which  hand 
The  way  led,  stopped  we,  not  to  go  amiss 
By  roads  more  lonely  than  through  desert  sand. 

From  where  the  void  borders  the  precipice 
To  base  of  the  high  cHff  ascending  sheer. 
The  human  form  thrice  told  would  measure  this; 

And,  as  I  winged  my  glances  far  and  near. 

Now  to  the  leftward,  now  toward  the  right, 
Still  did  this  cornice  such  to  me  appear. 

Our  feet  had  not  yet  moved  upon  the  height. 

When  that  sheer  cliff  around  us,  there  become 
Too  steep  for  climbing,  proved  of  marble  white 

And  decked  with  carvings  past  the  masterdom 
Not  only  of  cunning  Polycletus, — nay. 
Nature  herself  had  there  been  overcome. 


Second  day: 
middle  of  the 
forenoon.     On 
the  first  of  the 
seven  terraces, 
that  where  the 
Sin  of  Pride  is 
expiated 

The  hinges 
creak,  therefore, 
because  "strait  is 
the  gate,  and  few 
there  be  that  find 
if;  and  the  sym- 
bolism is  sus- 
tained by  the 
loneliness  of  the 
way  upon  which 
they  enter.     In 
the  narrow  pass 
where  the  waMs 
undulate,  the 
poets  are  careful 
to  go  straight 
ahead.    ""The 
evil  love  of  souls 
which  makes  the 
crooked  way 
seem  straight," 
implies  famil- 
iarity ivith  the 
poets  belief,  to 
be  fully  devel- 
oped later,  that 
cdl  actions,  good 
or  bad,  are 
prompted  by 
love  of  the  good 


186  Purgatorio 

This  first  suh-     The  Angel  who  proclaimed  on  earth  the  sway 

tlhTfit'^tat  Of  P^"^^  '°"g  ^^'^  ^'?>>«d  to  constitute, 

ter  of  the  gospel  Which  swept  the  ancient  ban  of  Heaven  away, 

Itttl  Before  us  stood  with  truth  so  absolute 
the  time  of  Carved  in  the  acting  of  the  gracious  theme, 

t"':uVp:t  That  it  appeared  to  be  no  image  mute. 

ers.  Almost        You'd  swear  that  he  cried  "Hail !"  for  how  misdeem 
TrZ  TaXrT  When  there  was  imaged  forth  that  Lady  dear 

has  made  a  Who  turned  the  key  to  open  Love  supreme? 

ttnnum-r-^  "Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord  is  here!"— 
ti^n  Such  was  the  language  by  her  mien  attested. 

Clearly  as  figure  stampt  in  wax  is  clear. 
"Attend  not  to  one  part  alone," — ^requested 
The  kindly  Master  who  was  holding  me 
On  that  side  where  the  human  heart  is  nested; 
Whereat,  my  glance  removing,  did  I  see 

Next  beyond  Mary,  and  toward  the  Guide 
Who  urged  me  on,  another  history 
Set  in  the  rock;  whence,  turning  to  that  side, 
I  passed  by  Virgil  and  drew  nigh  alone. 
So  that  it  might  the  better  be  descried. 
2  Samuel  vi.       There  in  the  living  marble  carved,  were  shown 
*~^  The  cart  and  kine  the  holy  ark  that  drew. 

Whereby  we  fear  an  oflSce  not  our  own. 
People  were  grouped  about  the  foreground,  who. 
In  seven  choirs,  made  my  two  senses  say. 
One,  "They  sing  not,"  the  other,  "Yes,  they  do." 
And  likewise,  where  the  marble  did  portray 

The  smoke  of  incense,  eyes  and  nostrils  bore 
Discordant  witness  both  of  yea  and  nay. 
2  Samuel  vi.       The  lowly  Psalmist,  high-girt,  on  before 
^~  The  sacred  vessel,  bounded  in  the  dance. 

And,  doing  so,  was  less  than  king  and  more. 
Michal  was  figured,  looking  on  askance 

From  window  of  great  palace  opposite. 
Perturbed  and  scornful  in  her  countenance. 


Visible  Speech 


187 


!b  rom  there  the  movement  of  my  feet  was  slight 
Till  I  could  scan  another  tale  anigh. 
Which,  beyond  Michal,  gleamed  upon  me  white. 

Herein  was  historied  the  glory  high 

Of  the  princely  Roman  who,  beneficent. 
Moved  Gregory  to  his  great  victory: 

Trajan,  the  emperor,  hereby  is  meant; 
And  a  poor  widow  to  his  bridle  clung 
In  attitude  of  grief  and  of  lament. 

He  seemed  to  ride  with  many  a  knight,  among 
A  trampling  throng;  eagles  of  golden  hue 
Above  him  streaming  to  the  wind  seemed  flung. 

"Avenge  me,  Sire !" — amid  that  retinue 

Appeared  that  wretched  mother  to  implore, 
"For  my  slain  son  my  heart  is  stricken  through." 

"Be  patient,"  answered  her  the  Emperor, 

"Till  my  return." — And  she,  with  urgent  moan 
Replied:  "How,  Sire,  if  thou  return  no  more?" — 

Then  he:  "Whoso  shall  sit  upon  my  throne 

Will  do  it."— And  she:  "What  boot  shall  be  to  thee 
Another's  bounty,  if  thou  stint  thine  own?" — 

"Now  be  thou  comforted,"  consented  he, 
"For  ere  I  go  my  duty  must  I  do. 
So  Justice  wills,  pity  restraining  me." — 

That  Being  who  can  look  on  nothing  new 

Produced  that  visible  speech  engraven  yon. 
Unknown  here,  therefore  novel  to  our  view. 

While  I  dehghted  me  to  look  upon 
These  portraits  of  humility  so  fair 
And  dear,  considering  Who  this  had  done, 

"Lo,  many  people,  but  with  footsteps  rare," 
Murmured  the  Poet,  "on  this  side  of  us; 
These  will  direct  us  to  the  lofty  stair." — 

Mine  eyes,  that  were  intent  on  gazing  thus. 

Turned  round  toward  him,  loath  to  be  delayed. 
To  see  new  objects  still  solicitous. 


It  was  believed 
that  Trajan  wa^ 
removed  from 
Hell  and  re- 
deemed in 
answer  to  the 
prayers  of 
Gregory  the 
Great.    Cf.  the 
great  place  given 
to  the  just 
Emperor  in 
Paradiso  xx 


188 


Purgatorio 


Dante  attributes 
to  the  reader 
that  Sin  of  Pride 
which  he  ac- 
knowledges to 
have  been  his 
own  (as  vnll 
appear  later) 


I  would  not  have  thee.  Reader,  shrink  dismayed 

From  thy  good  purpose,  though  thou  come  to  know 
How  God  ordains  it  that  the  debt  be  paid. 

Take  heed  not  to  the  fashion  of  the  woe; 

Think  on  what  follows;  at  the  worst  take  thought 
Beyond  the  Judgment  Day  it  cannot  go. 

"Master,"  began  I,  "what  I  see  seems  not 

Persons  approaching  us  with  motion  slight, 
But  sight  is  so  at  fault,  I  know  not  what.'' — 

And  he  repUed  to  me :  "So  dire  a  plight 

Doubles  them  down  with  punishment  condign, 
That  I  could  not  at  first  believe  my  sight. 

But  closely  look  till  vision  disentwine 

What  yonder  comes  beneath  those  bowlders  ben  I: 
Already  canst  thou  see  how  all  repine.'' — 

O  ye  proud  Christians,  wretched  and  forspent. 
Infirm  in  vision  of  your  inward  eyes. 
Who  in  backshding  steps  are  confident. 

Perceive  ye  not  how  we  from  worms  arise 
To  form  the  fair  angelic  butterfly 
Which  unto  judgment  undefended  flies? 

Why  is  the  spirit  in  you  puft  on  high. 

Since  ye  are  ungrown  insects  at  your  best. 
Defective  grubs  that  undeveloped  die! 

As  ceiling  or  roof  timbers  often  rest 

On  corbels,  carved  to  indicate  the  strain 

In  figure  quaint,  contorting  knee  to  breast, — 

Whence  out  of  the  unreal,  real  pain 

Is  bred  in  him  who  looks, — beneath  such  stress 
Did  I  see  these,  on  giving  heed  again. 

True  is  it,  they  were  bowed  down  more  and  less 
As  more  or  less  upon  their  backs  they  bore. 
And  he  whose  look  seemed  most  to  acquiesce. 

Weeping,  did  seem  to  say:  "I  can  no  more!" — 


The  Lord's  Prayer 


189 


XI 

The  Proud  Made  Humble 

"Our  Father,  Thou  who  dwellest  high  in  Heaven, 
Not  cu*cumscribed,  save  by  the  Love  immense 
That  to  Thy  first  creation  Thou  hast  given, 

Praised  be  Thy  name  and  Thy  onmipotence 
By  all  created  beings,  emulous 
To  render  thanks  to  Thy  sweet  effluence. 

Let  peace  from  Thine  own  kingdom  come  to  us, 
For  with  all  reach  of  soul  that  in  us  lies 
We  cannot  win  it,  if  it  come  not  thus. 

As  Thine  own  holy  angels  sacrifice 

Their  will  to  Thee,  while  they  Hosannah  sing. 
So  let  men  do  with  penitential  sighs. 

This  day  to  us  our  daily  manna  bring, 

For  in  this  desert  rough,  in  utter  dearth. 
We  backward  go  when  most  endeavoring. 

As  we  forgive  to  every  one  on  earth 

The  wrongs  we  bore,  so  graciously  do  Thou 
Forgive  us,  and  look  not  upon  our  worth. 

Put  not  to  proof  before  our  ancient  foe 
Our  power  of  will,  so  easily  undone. 
But  liberate  from  him  who  spurs  it  so. 

We  make,  dear  Lord,  this  final  orison 

Not  for  ourselves,  because  there  is  no  need, 
But  all  for  dear  ones  left  behind  us  yon." — 

Beseeching  for  themselves  and  us  good  speed. 

Those  heavy-laden  shades  went  their  slow  way 
Under  such  loads  as  oft  from  dreams  proceed, 

And  with  unequal  anguish  circled  they 
Wearily  that  first  cornice  of  the  Hill, 
Purging  the  soilure  of  the  world  away. 

If  good  for  us  be  spoken  yonder  still. 

What  may  be  done  and  said  for  them  down  here 
By  those  who  have  a  good  root  to  their  will? 


Morning  of  the 
second  day 


The  prayer 
"Deliver  us  from 
the  Evil  One'' 
is  no  longer 
needed,  bid  is 
made  for  us  who 
are  still  subject 
to  fall.    How 
then  should  we 
remember  them 
when  we  pray! 


190  Purgatorio 

Surely  we  ought  to  give  them  aid  to  clear 

The  stains  they  carried  hence,  that  light  and  chaste 
They  issue  forth  upon  the  starry  sphere. 

"Ah,  so  may  justice  and  may  pity  haste 

To  disemburden  you  and  speed  your  wing 
Whither  your  heart *s  desire  is  wholly  graced, 

Tell  us  which  passage  to  the  stair  may  bring 
Us  soonest,  and  if  more  than  one  there  be, 
Show  that  where  least  is  need  of  clambering: 

For  in  the  flesh  of  Adam  comes  with  me 
This  person,  by  the  burden  so  opprest 
That,  although  willing,  he  mounts  charily." — 

The  answer  to  these  words,  wherewith  addrest 
Those  weary  souls  my  Leader  and  my  Friend, 
Came  back,  from  whom  was  yet  not  manifest; 

But  it  was  said :  "If  to  the  right  ye  wend 

With  us  along  the  cliff,  ye  shall  be  shown 
A  passage  where  the  living  could  ascend. 

And  if  I  were  not  hampered  by  the  stone 
Taming  my  neck,  erewhile  imperious. 
So  that  perforce  I  hold  my  visage  down. 

Then  would  I  scan  that  one,  not  named  to  us 
But  still  alive,  to  see  if  him  I  knew. 
And  make  him  of  this  burden  piteous. 
Once  one  of        To  a  great  Tuscan  Sire  my  birth  is  due, 
ih)se  great  William  Aldobrandesco:  I  know  not 

counts  of  banta 

Flora  mentioned  Whether  his  name  was  ever  known  to  you. 

^fhe^^M  of  ^y  ancient  blood,  and  prowesses  that  wrought 
hamng  a  casUe  My  forebears,  so  my  vanity  beguiled, 

^  Zar  ^""^  *''  '^^^*'  ^^  ^^^  common  mother  losing  thought. 

At  all  men  with  high  arrogance  I  smiled. 
So  that  I  died,  as  know  the  Sienese, 
Where  he  was  And  knows  in  Campagnatico  each  child. 

Humbert  am  I;  nor  harmed  my  haughtiness 
Me  only,  but  all  those  my  kinsmen  bred 
Are  dragged  in  consequence  to  deep  distress. 


killed 


Vanity  of  Artistic  and  Literary  Fame       191 


And  here  I  cannot  choose  but  bow  my  head 
Beneath  this  load  till  satisfied  be  Grace, — 
Since  not  alive  I  did  it,  with  the  dead." — 

Listening  to  him,  I  bended  down  my  face; 

And  one  of  them  beneath  the  weight  they  brook 
(Not  he  who  spoke)  twisted  himself  apace 

And  saw  me  and  recognized  and  called,  his  look. 
Albeit  with  effort,  at  my  figure  aimed 
Which  going  withal  their  crouching  posture  took. 

'^Art  thou  not  Oderisi," — I  exclaimed, 

"Glory  of  Gubbio  for  that  art  of  thine 
In  Paris  now  ^illuminating*  named?" — 

"Brother,"  said  he,  "the  leaves  more  smiling  shine 
By  Franco  of  Bologna's  brush  made  fair: 
His  now  is  all  the  boast,  eclipsing  mine. 

I  had  not  been  so  courteous  over  there 

While  Hving,  for  the  yearning  strong  in  me 
For  excellence,  which  was  my  utmost  care. 

Here  of  such  pride  is  paid  the  penalty; 

And  had  I  not,  while  free  to  sin,  been  fain 
To  turn  to  God,  even  here  I  should  not  be. 

O  glory  of  the  human  powers,  how  vain ! 

Brief  seasons  to  the  summit  verdure  yield 
If  no  beclouded  era  supervene. 

Thought  Cimabue  to  possess  the  field 
In  painting;  now  is  Giotto  in  request 
So  that  the  elder  glory  is  concealed. 

So  did  one  Guido  from  the  other  wrest 

The  palm  in  language;  there  may  be,  who  knows? 
One  born  to  drive  both  eagles  from  the  nest. 

Worldly  renown  is  windy  breath  that  goes 

Now  hither  and  now  yon,  and  changes  name 
According  to  the  quarter  whence  it  blows. 

If  old  thou  strip  thy  flesh,  shall  then  thy  fame 
Be  much  more  glorious  than  hadst  thou  died 
While  pap  and  prattle  still  thy  lips  became. 


The  pride  of 
the  artist 


Guido  Guini- 
ceUi,  whom  we 
shall  meet  in 
Canto  xxviy 
and  Guido 
Cavalcantit 
whose  father  we 
met  in  Inferno  x. 
The  third  poet 
is  doubtless 
Dante  himself. 
With  delicate 
sdf-hetrayal  he 
thv^  illustrates 
that  he  was  not 
exempt  from 
""thai  last  in- 
firmity of  noUe 
mind" 


192                              Purgatorio  i 

A  thousand  years  to  come?  a  briefer  tide  ; 

To  all  eternity,  than  wink  of  eye  i 

To  circle  round  the  Heaven  most  slowly  plied.  j 

The  lord  of  the     With  him  who  little  road  doth  occupy  I 

fi^^  "'^^  ""^          ^^fo'*^  ^^>  ra^g  aU  Tuscany  of  yore,  | 
Though  few  for  him  now  in  Siena  sigh 

Where  he  was  master  once,  and  overbore  { 
The  rabidness  of  Florence,  prostitute 

At  present,  even  as  she  was  proud  before.  i 

As  color  of  the  grass  is  your  repute  j 

Which  comes  and  goes ;  He  makes  it  yellow  and  sere  i 

Who  summons  from  the  earth  the  greening  fruit."—  \ 

And  I:  "Thy  truthful  words  make  lowher  ] 
My  spirit,  and  abate  my  swelhng  pride: 

But  who  is  he  of  whom  thou  spokest  here?'* —  , 

"That?  Provenzan  Salvani,"  he  rephed, 

"Put  here  because  presumptuous  to  hold  i 
All  Siena  underfoot.   So  since  he  died 

Has  he  been  going,  and  ever  as  of  old  ; 

Unresting  goes;  with  such  coin  he  atones)  j 

Who  in  the  other  hfe  has  been  too  bold.^ —  j 

And  I :  "K  every  spirit  who  postpones 

Repentance  till  he  reach  life*s  utmost  rim  \ 

Cannot,  unaided  by  good  orisons,  ] 

Ascend  the  Mount,  but  must  an  interim  ' 

Equal  to  all  his  life  remain  below, —  j 

How  has  the  coming  been  vouchsafed  to  him?" —  ] 

And  he:  "When  living  in  the  greatest  show,  j 

Upon  the  Camjx)  of  Siena  fain  j 

Was  he  to  stand  and  all  respect  forgo:  ^ 

For,  wishing  to  dehver  from  the  pain  ^ 
Of  Charles's  prison  house,  a  friend,  he  there 
Compelled  himself  to  quake  in  every  vein. 

Dante  is  also  to  I  say  no  more,  of  darkling  words  aware;  ; 

'^n.tde^          B"t  -I'ortly  Will  thy  neighbors  bring  about  ! 

upon  the  charity          That  thou  the  pregnant  comment  canst  prepare.  1 

ci strangers         rphis  action  from  those  limits  let  him  out."—  ' 

J 


Examples  of  Pride  Brought  Low 


193 


XII 

The  Pictured  Floor 

Abreast,  like  oxen  going  in  a  yoke, 

I  with  that  heavy-laden  soul  went  on. 

By  the  kind  Teacher's  leave.   But  when  he  spoke : 

**Now  it  behooves  us  leave  him  and  be  gone; 
To  ply  the  bark  with  sail  and  oar  is  best 
Here,  far  as  possible,  for  every  one," 

Upright,  prepared  for  walking,  I  redressed 
My  body,  howsoever  inwardly 
My  thoughts  remained  both  lowly  and  depressed. 

I  had  moved  on,  and  followed  willingly 

The  footsteps  of  my  Master,  and  so  fleet 
We  went  as  showed  us  light  of  foot  to  be. 

When  said  he:  "Cast  thine  eyes  down;  it  is  meet, 
In  order  well  the  pathway  to  beguile. 
To  look  upon  the  bed  beneath  thy  feet.^ 

As,  that  their  memory  remain  awhile. 

Earth-level  tombs  above  the  buried  show 
The  carven  traces  of  their  former  style. 

Whence  tears  for  them  there  often  freshly  flow 
Through  pricking  of  remembrances,  that  stir 
Only  the  tender-hearted :  even  so 

Beheld  I,  but  of  semblance  goodher 

There,  in  accordance  with  the  Workman's  worth. 
Figured  the  way  along  that  mountain-spur. 

I  saw  on  one  side  him  of  nobler  birth 

Than  any  other  creature,  swift  as  light 

Fall  Hke  a  thunderbolt  from  Heaven  to  Earth. 

I  saw  Briareus,  smitten  by  the  bright 

Celestial  dart,  with  chiU  of  death  subdued. 
Heavy  up)on  the  ground  there  opposite. 

I  saw  Thymbraeus,  Pallas,  Mars,  who  stood 

In  armor  round  their  Father,  and  they  were 
Gazing  at  members  of  the  giants  strewed. 


The  time  is  near 
noon  of  the 
second  day: 
the  place  further 
to  the  right 
around  the  Ter- 
race of  the 
Proud.     The 
symmetrical 
rhetoric  corre- 
sponds with  the 
formal  arrange- 
ment of  the  pic- 
tures.   Carven 
tombs  in  the 
pavement  of  the 
church  are  com- 
mon in  Italy; 
but  the  most 
notable  example 
of  a  pictured 
floor  is  in  the 
Cathedral  of 
Siena  (the  "graf- 
fiti"). Any 
reader  with  a 
Bible  and  a 
dictionary  can 
look  up  the 
examples 


Series  of 
stanzas  begin- 
ning alike  are 
frequent:  e.g., 
the  three  begin- 
ning with  the 
word  ""Lovi*  in 
FrancesccCs 
story  (Inf.  v), 
and  the  more 
elaborated  series 
in  Paradiso 


194  Purgatorio 

I  saw,  at  foot  of  his  great  labor,  stare  \ 

Bewildered  Nimrod,  where  on  Shinar  plain  i 

Lay  those  who  with  him  had  been  haughty  there.  , 

O  Niobe,  with  eyes  how  full  of  pain,  i 
Portrayed  upon  the  path  I  saw  thee  too, 

Between  thy  seven  and  seven  children  slain !  j 

O  Saul,  how  on  your  proj>er  sword  did  you  \ 

There  Hfeless  upon  Mount  Gilboa  show,  ; 

That  felt  thereafter  neither  rain  nor  dew!  \ 

O  mad  Arachne,  I  beheld  thee  so,  I 

Half  spider,  wretched  on  the  ruin  wrought  ] 

Upon  the  web  thou  wo  vest  to  thy  woe !  i 

0  Rehoboam,  here  thy  form  does  not  | 

Appear  to  threaten,  but  fulfilled  with  fear, 

Snatcht  from  pursuers  by  a  chariot !  | 

Showed  the  hard  pavement,  too,  what  guerdon  dear  1 

Alcmseon  made  unto  his  mother  once  j 
The  ill-predestined  ornaments  appear; 

Showed  how  upon  Sennacherib  the  sons  { 

Fell  in  the  temple,  where,  when  he  was  slain,  ] 

They  left  him  without  any  orisons;  | 

Showed  how  great  ruin  and  what  cruel  pain  ) 

Wrought  Tomyris,  when  she  to  Cyrus  said:  j 

"Thy  thirst  for  blood  with  blood  I  slake  again";  \ 

Showed  how  in  panic  the  Assyrians  fled  j 

As  soon  as  Holofernes  was  undone,  i 
And  showed  the  remnants  of  that  victim  dead. 

1  saw  in  caves  and  ashes  IHon : 

O  Troy,  thy  state  how  low  and  pitiful  ! 

Showed  in  the  sculptured  imagery  yon ! 

What  Master  could  with  brush  or  graving-tool  : 

Those  lines  and  shades  so  deftly  have  bestowed,  \ 

To  make  the  cleverest  wit  cry  "wonderful"?  i 

The  dead  seemed  dead,  alive  the  living  showed: 
Better  than  I,  saw  not  who  saw  the  true. 
All  that  I  trod  while  bent  above  my  road.  ; 


T(mch  of  the  Angel-wing 


195 


Now  lift  your  haughty  looks,  insolent  crew 

Of  sons  of  Eve,  nor  glance  ye  at  the  ground 
To  see  the  wicked  way  that  ye  pursue ! 

More  of  the  mount  by  us  was  circled  round. 

And  the  sun's  course  now  far  more  nearly  spent. 
Than  deemed  my  spirit,  which  was  not  unbound, 

When  he  who  ever  vigilantly  went 

Before  me,  "Lift  thy  head,"  began  to  say, 
"The  time  is  past  for  going  thus  intent. 

Lo !  yonder  is  an  Angel  in  array 

To  come  toward  us :  lo !  returning  seen 

The  sixth  handmaid  from  service  of  the  day. 

Adorn  with  reverence  thine  act  and  mien. 

That  he  may  gladly  speed  our  way  on  high : 
Think  that  this  day  will  never  dawn  again." 

Well  wonted  to  his  monishing  was  I, 

On  no  account  to  squander  time;  and  thus 
He  could  not  on  that  theme  speak  covertly. 

Toward  us  came  the  being  beauteous. 

Vested  in  raiment  white,  and  in  his  face 
Such  as  appears  the  dawn -star  tremulous. 

His  wings  he  opened,  opened  his  embrace. 

Bidding:  "Approach,  for  hard  by  is  the  stair. 
And  from  henceforward  ye  ascend  apace. 

To  these  glad  tidings  the  response  is  rare: 
Born  to  soar  up,  why  are  ye  overthrown, 
O  human  race,  at  every  puff  of  air?" 

He  led  us  to  where  cloven  was  the  stone; 

Here  with  his  wings  did  on  my  forehead  smite. 
Then  promised  me  secure  the  going  on. 

As  beyond  Rubaconte,  to  the  right. 

Where  sits  the  temple  built  to  overlook 
The  well-directed  city,  the  sharp  flight 

Of  that  ascent  less  pantingly  we  brook 

By  means  of  stairways  fashioned  in  the  days 
Safe  for  the  bushel  and  the  audit-book; 


The  sixth  hour, 
— so  that  noon 
is  near 


Ruhaconie  is  the 
upper  bridge  at 
Florence.    The 
steep  flight  of 
steps  leading  to 
San  Miniato, — 
built  before  the 
public  accounts 
and  standards  of 
measure  were 
tampered  loith 


196  Purgatorio 

So  here  the  mountainside  a  little  stays 

Its  dizzy  drop  from  the  succeeding  round, 
But  high  rocks  either  side  the  pathway  graze. 

As  we  are  turning  thither,  voices  sound, 

"Blessed  the  poor  in  spirit!" — sweet  concent 
Such  that  to  tell  it  words  could  not  be  found. 

Ah  me,  these  entrances  how  diflFerent 

From  that  Infernal!  for  with  anthems  here 
One  enters, — there  below  with  wild  lament. 

We  were  ascending  now  the  holy  stair. 

And  now  I  seemed  to  walk  with  lighter  spring 
Than  even  on  the  level  plain  whilere: 

Wherefore  I  questioned  him:  "What  heavy  thing 
Has  been  uplifted  from  me.  Master,  say. 
That  now  I  go  almost  unwearying.^^" 

He  answered:  "When  the  other  P*s  that  stay. 
Though  indistinctly,  on  thy  forehead  still. 
Shall,  like  the  one,  be  canceled  quite  away, 

Thy  feet  will  be  so  subject  to  good  will, 
Not  only  will  they  not  be  wearied  out. 
But  feel  delight  to  be  urged  up  the  hill.** 

Then  did  I  as  do  those  who  go  about 

Hooded  they  know  not  how,  till  by  and  by 
The  beckonings  of  others  make  them  doubt; 
The  touch  of  the  Wherefore  the  hand  is  raised  to  verify, 

h^'l^JITLe  ^^  ^^^^  *^^  *^^^S  ^^  ^^^^'  ^^^^  lending  aid 

gymbolic  P  from  To  supplement  the  oflBce  of  the  eye; 

ihe  Tpoet't  brow    ^^  ^^^^  ^^Le  fingers  of  my  right  outspread. 
Six  only  of  the  letters  that  erewhile 
He  of  the  Keys  had  graven  on  my  head: 
And  this  my  gesture  made  the  Leader  smile. 


Lashes  of  the  Scourge  of  the  Envious         197 

XIII  1 

Sapia  of  Siena  \ 

■J 

We  now  were  at  the  summit  of  the  stair,  j^^^y  afternoon  1 

There  where  the  mount  that  heals  as  one  ascends     «/  second  day.      \ 

Is  cut  away  the  second  time. — ^And  there  Envious       ^     ' 

A  terrace  round  about  the  hillside  trends  j 

In  the  same  manner  as  the  former  one,  \ 

Save  that  more  suddenly  its  contour  bends.  j 

Shaded  or  graven  form  appeared  there  none: 

So  bare  the  bank,  and  so  the  pathway  showed 

With  but  the  livid  color  of  the  stone.  \ 

"If  to  inquire  of  people  we  abode  I 

Still  here,"  the  Poet  said,  "I  fear  perchance  i 

It  would  too  much  delay  our  choice  of  road." 
Then  fixing  on  the  sun  a  steady  glance. 

And  centering  his  movement  on  the  right. 

He  caused  his  left  side  round  it  to  advance.  I 

"O  Thou,  confiding  in  whose  kindly  light  ; 

I  enter  the  new  pathway,  lead,"  he  said,  : 

**For  leading  here  within  is  requisite. 
The  world  thou  warmest,  lamping  overhead;  j 

If  other  reason  urge  not,  by  thy  smile  .; 

We  ought  forever  to  be  onward  led."  i 

As  far  as  here  we  reckon  for  a  mile. 

So  far  there  did  we  on  our  journey  move 

By  dint  of  ready  will,  in  little  while; 
And  tow'rd  us  were  heard  fiying  thereabove  *j 

Spirits  invisible,  with  courteous  I  •! 

Persuasion,  bidding  to  the  board  of  Love. 
The  first  voice  that  went  flying  onward  thus,  1^ 

With  loud  proclaim  cried  out :  "No  wine  have  they,"  Uary  at  the 

Repeating  it  long  after  passing  us.  marriage  at 

And  ere,  far  ofiF,  it  wholly  died  away, 

I  heard  another  that  was  flying  by,  Pylades,  wish- 

"I  am  Orestes," — nor  did  this  one  stay.  T^ friend 


198  Purgatorio 

"O  Father  mine,  what  voices  these?"  said  I; 

And  while  I  questioned,  did  a  third  one  urge, 
"Love  him  that  uses  you  despitefully." 
The  Envious  are  And  he :   "This  round  doth  castigating  purge 
scourged  by  rpj^    ^^    f  ^  ^ j  £         L        are  ta'en 

voices  of  unself-  •' ' 

ish  love.    The  On  that  account  the  lashes  of  the  scourge. 

^nvyisfotd  Another  sound  must  have  the  bridle  rein, 
voiced  at  the  And  thou  wilt  hear  it,  if  I  well  surmise, 

closeof  Canto xiv  Qj.  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^  p^^^  ^f  p^^.^^^^  ^^^^^ 

But  through  the  air  intently  fix  thine  eyes, 
And  thou  shalt  see  along  this  avenue 
People,  all  sitting  where  the  rocks  arise." 

Then  opened  wider  than  before  my  view, 

Taking  in  shades  in  front,  with  mantles  on 
That  did  not  differ  from  the  stone  in  hue. 

And  when  we  had  a  little  farther  gone, 

I  heard  a  moaning:  "Mary,  for  us  pray!" 

To  Michael  and  Peter  and  all  the  saints  a  moan. 

I  cannot  think  there  walks  the  earth  today 
A  man  so  hard  as  not  to  have  been  stung 
With  pity  at  what  I  saw  beside  the  way: 

For  when  I  drew  so  nearly  them  among 
That  all  their  actions  became  manifest. 
Out  through  mine  eyes  full  bitter  tears  were  wrung. 

In  haircloth  mean  I  seemed  to  see  them  drest; 
Each  lent  his  shoulder  unto  him  behind. 
And  all  supported  by  the  chff  did  rest. 

Thus  at  indulgences  the  poor  and  blind 

To  crave  their  needment  by  the  portal  wait, 
Each  with  his  head  upon  the  next  reclined. 

That  others  may  be  made  compassionate 

Not  by  the  sound  of  words  alone  so  soon 
As  by  their  looks  that  no  less  supplicate. 

As  profits  not  the  blind  the  sun  at  noon. 

So  to  the  shades  who  sat  where  I  have  said. 
The  light  of  Heaven  will  not  confer  its  boon; 


Brotherly  Kindness  for  Envy 


199 


For  pierces  all  their  lids  an  iron  thread. 

And  sews  them  up,  as  to  a  savage  hawk 
Is  done,  since  it  will  not  be  quieted. 

Methought  it  unbecoming  so  to  walk 

Beholding  others  while  concealed  from  view; 
Whence  turned  I,  with  my  counsel  sage  to  talk. 

What  the  mute  wished  to  utter,  well  he  knew, 
Whence  did  he  not  my  questioning  abide. 
But  said:  "Speak  to  the  point;  let  words  be  few." 

Virgil  was  walking  with  me  on  that  side 

Whence  one  may  fall,  because  a  parapet 
To  girdle  round  the  terrace  is  denied. 

Upon  the  other  side  of  me  were  set 

The  pious  shades,  who  through  the  suture  dread 
Strained  forth  the  tears  until  their  cheeks  were  wet. 

To  them  I  turned  me,  and,  beginning,  said: 
"O  people  sure  to  see  the  lofty  Glow 
Whereto  your  longing  thoughts  are  wholly  led. 

May  Grace  soon  loosen  all  the  soilure  so 

From  off  your  conscience,  that  descending  clear 
Through  it  the  stream  of  memory  may  flow, 

Tell  me, — for  welcome  will  it  be  and  dear, — 
If  soul  Italian  here  among  you  be; 
It  might  be  well  for  him  that  I  should  hear." 

"Citizens  all,  O  brother  mine,  are  we 

Of  one  true  city;  but  be  this  thy  word, — 
One  who  a  pilgrim  dwelt  in  Italy." 

By  way  of  answer,  this,  methought,  I  heard 
A  little  farther  on  than  where  I  stood; 
Whence  I  directed  me  yet  thitherward. 

Among  the  others  there,  one  shadow  showed 
A  waiting  look;  should  any  ask  "How  so?" 
It  lifted  up  its  chin  in  blindman's  mode. 

"O  soul,  subdued  that  thou  mayst  upward  go," 
Said  I,  "if  thou  it  be  that  answerest. 
Vouchsafe  that  I  \hy  name  or  country  know." 


No  dividing 
lines  of  race  or 
tongue  or  laiid 
or  color 


200 


Purgatorio 


Hie  d^eat  of 
theSienese  Ghib- 
ellines  under 
Provenzano  Scd- 
vani  {Canto  xi) 
by  the  Floren- 
tines 


Peter  the  comb- 
maker,  so  unu- 
sually honest  as 
to  be  still  remem- 
bered in  Siena 

Dante  confesses 
that  his  besetting 
sin  is  pride 


"I  was  a  Sienese,  and  with  the  rest," 

She  answered,  "here  I  cleanse  my  life  unfit, 
Weeping  to  Him  to  come  and  make  us  blest. 

Sapient  was  I  not,  though  named  of  it 
Sapia;  greeting  with  far  greater  glee 
Another*s  bane  than  mine  own  benefit. 

And  that  thou  think  me  not  deceiving  thee. 
Hear  whether  I  was  foolish  as  I  tell 
What  time  the  years  were  sloping  down  with  me. 

One  day  the  men  who  in  my  country  dwell 
Joined  battle  near  to  Colle  with  their  foes. 
While  I  was  praying  God  for  what  befell. 

Routed  were  they,  and  felt  the  bitter  woes 
Of  fugitives;  beyond  comparison 
My  joy,  on  witnessing  the  chase,  arose: 

So  that,  uplifting  my  bold  face  thereon, 

I  cried  to  God,  *Henceforth  I  fear  Thee  not !' 
As  doth  the  blackbird  for  a  little  sun. 

Upon  the  utmost  verge  of  fife  I  sought 

For  peace  with  God;  and  e*en  yet  would  I  be 
Nowise  by  penitence  of  debt  disfraught. 

Had  it  not  been  that,  out  of  charity 

Grieving,  with  supphcations  holiest, 
Pier  Pettinagno  still  remembered  me. 

But  who  art  thou  that  comest  making  quest 
About  our  state,  with  unimpeded  eye 
As  I  believe,  and  breathing  reasonest?" 

"Mine  eyes  will  be  withheld,"  I  made  reply, 

"But  briefly  here,  for  small  offense  done  when 
With  Envy  they  were  yonder  turned  awry. 

My  spirit,  too  expectant  of  the  pain 

They  suffer  underneath,  is  terrified; 
That  load  already  weighs  on  me  amain." 

And  she  to  me :  "Who  then  hath  been  thy  guide 
Up  here  among  us,  if  return  is  meet.'*" 
"He  with  me  who  is  silent,"  I  replied; 


Desire  for  Good  Report  on  Earth  201 


"And  living  am  I;  whence  do  thou  entreat 

Of  me,  O  chosen  soul,  wouldst  have  me  yon 
Yet  move  in  thy  behalf  my  mortal  feet/' 

"O  strange  is  this  to  hearP — she  said  thereon, 
"And  of  God's  love  to  thee  a  happy  sign; 
Whence  aid  me  sometime  with  thine  orison. 

And  I  implore  by  most  desire  of  thine. 

If  thou  shalt  tread  the  Tuscan  earth  anew, 

That  thou  make  good  my  fame  with  kindred  mine. 

Seek  them  among  that  futile  people,  who 
Place  hope  in  Talamone,  forfeiting 
More  hope  than  when  the  Dian  they  pursue; 

But  the  admirals  will  lose  a  greater  thing.'' 


Talamone  was  a 
malarial  sea- 
port which  the 
Sienese  tried  to 
develop;  the 
Dian  an  under- 
ground stream 
they  tried  to  tap. 
The  Sienese 
"admirals"  are 
like  those  of 
Switzerland.  For 
other  references 
to  this  fascinaP 
ing  city,  see 
Cantos  V  and 
xi,  and  Inf. 
xxix 


202 


Purgatorio 


The  Terrace  of 
the  Envious; 
mid-afternoon, 
second  day 


Speakers:  Guido 
del  Duca, 
Rinieri  da 
Cdboli 


Course  of  the 
Amo  from  its 
mountain  source 
to  the  sea 


XIV 

Degeneracy  of  Tuscany  and  the  Romagna 

"Who  is  this  that,  ere  Death  have  given  him  wing. 
Doth  circUng  round  about  our  mountain  go. 
Shutting  his  eyes  at  will,  and  opening?" 

"I  know  not  who  he  is,  but  he,  I  know. 

Is  not  alone :  ask  thou,  who  art  more  nigh. 
And  greet  him  gently,  that  he  answer  so." 

Thus,  leaning  each  to  each,  held  colloquy 

Two  spirits,  sitting  on  the  right  hand  there; 
Then,  to  address  me,  with  the  face  on  high. 

One  said :  "O  soul,  that  dost  already  fare 

Tow'rd  Heaven,  yet  planted  in  the  body  thus. 
For  charity  console  us,  and  declare 

Whence  and  who  art  thou;  for  so  marvelous 
This  grace  of  thine  appears  unto  our  eyes. 
As  must  a  thing  yet  never  known  to  us." 

And  I :  "In  Falterona  there  doth  rise 
A  brook,  mid-Tuscany  meandering. 
Whose  course  a  hundred  miles  do  not  suflSce. 

From  thereupon  do  I  this  body  bring: 

To  tell  you  who  I  am  were  speech  in  vain. 
Because  my  name  does  not  yet  widely  ring." 

Then  he  who  first  had  spoken  said  again : 
"Thou  speakst  of  Arno,  if  I  picture  well 
The  meaning  of  thy  words  within  my  brain." 

Whereto  the  other:  "Why  did  he  not  tell 
The  very  word  we  know  that  river  by. 
But  keep  it  back  as  something  horrible?" 

And  the  shadow  that  was  questioned  made  reply: 
"I  know  not,  but  indeed  'tis  fitting  for 
The  very  name  of  such  a  vale  to  die. 

For  from  its  fountain, — ^where  the  waters  pour 
So  amply  from  that  rugged  mountain  chain 
Tom  from  Pelorus,  seldom  teeming  more. 


Course  of  the  Arno 


203 


As  far  as  where  it  renders  up  again 

That  which  the  heaven  absorbs  from  out  the  flood, 

Wherefrom  the  rivers  have  their  flowing  train, — 
Virtue  is  driven  Hke  a  serpent  brood, 

The  enemy  of  all,  or  through  mischance 

Of  place,  or  scourge  of  evil  habitude. 
Whence  so  disnatured  are  the  habitants 

Of  that  unhappy  vale,  it  would  appear 

That  Circe  had  them  in  her  maintenance. 
Among  foul  hogs,  of  acorns  worthier 

Than  other  viands  made  for  use  of  men. 

It  first  directs  its  puny  thoroughfare; 
Curs  it  encounters,  coming  downward  then. 

More  snarling  than  their  power  gives  warranty. 

And  turns  from  them  its  muzzle  in  disdain; 
The  more  it  flows  on  downward  swellingly. 

The  more  the  dogs  grown  wolves  discovers  this 

Accursed  ditch  of  evil  destiny; 
Finds  then,  descending  many  a  deep  abyss. 

Foxes  so  fraudulent  they  never  fear 

To  be  entrapt  by  any  artifice. 
Nor  do  I  curb  my  tongue  lest  others  hear: 

And  good  for  this  man  to  remember  well 

The  things  true  prophecy  is  making  clear. 
I  see  thy  grandson,  who  becomes  a  fell 

Hunter  of  those  wolf-creatures,  and  dismays 

All  who  along  the  cruel  river  dwell. 
He  "fends  their  fiesh  while  it  is  living, — slays 

Them  afterwards,  as  would  a  wild-beast  hoar; 

Many  of  life  deprives,  himself  of  praise. 
From  the  grim  wood  he  issues  red  with  gore. 

Leaving  it  such  not  thousand  years  will  show 

That  river-bank  rewooded  as  before." 
As  at  announcement  of  impending  woe. 

The  hearer's  face  betrays  his  troubled  mood. 

From  wheresoever  peril  threaten;  so 


Porciano 


Florence 


Pisa 


The  ferocious 
Podesta  (chief 
magistrate)  of 
Florence  in  the 
first  year  of 
Dante  s  exUe 


204 


Purgatorio 


The  Romagna, 
bounded  by  Po, 
Reno,  Apen- 
nine,  Adriatic 


I  saw  that  other  soul,  in  attitude 

To  listen,  grow  perturbed  and  full  of  teen, 
When  that  prophetic  word  he  understood. 

The  language  of  the  one,  the  other's  mien 

Made  me  desire  to  know  the  names  they  bore; 
Whereof  I  made  request,  with  prayers  between. 

Thereat  the  spirit  that  spoke  to  me  before. 
Began  again:   "Thou  wilt  not  do  the  same 
Favor  to  me  that  thou  art  craving  for; 

But  if  God  will  that  forth  in  thee  should  flame 
Such  grace,  I  will  not  as  a  niggard  do : 
Know  then,  Guido  del  Duca  is  my  name. 

So  Envy  did  the  blood  of  me  imbue. 

That,  had  I  seen  a  man  grow  joyful  there, 

Thou  wouldst  have  seen  me  tinged  with  livid  hue. 

From  my  own  sowing  reap  I  such  a  tare: 
Why  set  your  hearts,  O  human  progeny, 
On  what  ye  are  permitted  not  to  share? 

This  is  Rinier,  of  the  house  of  Calboli 

The  glory  and  the  honor;  from  their  blood 
Has  sprung  no  heir  of  his  nobility. 

'Twixt  Po  and  mountain,  Reno  and  the  flood. 
His  family  is  not  the  only  race 
Stript  of  integrity  and  gentlehood; 

For  in  these  bounds  replete  is  every  place 

With  poisonous  scions,  so  that  late  and  slow 
Could  ever  tilth  eradicate  their  trace. 

Henry  Mainardi  and  good  Lizio,  ♦ 

Pier  Traversar*,  Guy  di  Carpigna,  where 
Be  they,  O  Romagnoles,  who  bastard  grow? 

When  will  Bologna  now  a  Fabbro  bear? 
Faenza  a  Bernardin  di  Fosco  when? — 
Of  humble  family  the  noble  heir. 

Tuscan,  let  not  my  tears  amaze  thee  then, 
When  Guy  da  Prata  I  recall  to  mind. 
With  Hugh  of  Azzo  as  he  lived  with  men. 


Degenerate  Houses  of  the  Romagna        205 


And  Frederick  Tignoso  and  his  kind. 

The  Traversara,  the  Anastagi  (those 
Two  houses  in  their  Hneage  decHned!), 

The  knights  and  ladies,  labor  and  repose. 
That  kindled  in  us  love  and  coiu-tesy. 
Where  every  human  heart  so  wicked  grows. 

O  Brettinoro,  why  dost  thou  not  flee, 
Seeing  that,  not  to  be  corrupted,  go 
Many  to  exile  with  thy  family? 

Well  does  Bagnacaval  being  barren  so. 
But  Castrocaro  ill,  and  bent  to  spawn 
Such  breed  of  counts,  still  worse  does  Conio. 

Will  do  well  the  Pagani,  when  is  gone 

Their  Demon  from  them;  but  not  so  that  pure 
Can  ever  the  report  of  them  live  on. 

O  Hugh  of  Fantolini,  now  secure 

Thy  name  is,  which  no  fear  may  entertain 
Of  sons  degenerating  to  obscure ! 

Now,  Tuscan,  go  thy  way,  for  I  am  fain 

Rather  to  weep  than  our  discourse  pursue. 
So  has  it  left  my  spirit  wrung  with  pain." 

That  those  dear  souls  could  hear  when  we  withdrew, 
We  were  aware;  and  therefore  confident 
Their  silence  made  us  of  the  avenue. 

When  we  became  alone,  as  on  we  went, 

A  voice  came  counter  to  us  that  did  say. 
Even  as  when  lightning  cleaves  the  firmament: 

"Every  one  that  findeth  me,  shall  slay;" 
All  of  a  sudden  thereupon  it  passed. 
As  thunder  with  the  storm-rack  rolls  away. 

Soon  as  our  ears  had  truce  from  such  a  blast. 
Behold  another  of  so  loud  a  tone. 
It  seemed  the  thunderclap  that  follows  fast: 

"I  am  Aglauros,  who  became  a  stone!" 

Backward  instead  of  forward,  at  that  sound 
I  stepped,  and  pressed  the  Poet  hard  upon. 


The  studious 
reader  vnll  look 
up  these  for- 
gotten great  in 
Toynbee's  en- 
tertaining 
Dante  Diction- 
ary 

This  Devil 
ought  to  be  re- 
membered far 
his  sonorous 
name:   Ma^hi- 
nardo  Pagani 
da  Su^inana. 
He  was  lord  of 
Faenza  and 
Imola.    Dante 
gives  him  three 
lines  in  Inferno 
xxvii  (^9-51) 


Cain 


Apparently  for 
coveting  her 
sister's  hand- 
some lover 


206                             Purgatorio  ] 

The  bridle-bit  or  Now  was  the  air  grown  quiet  all  around;  ^ 

cZt%io             And  he  to  me:   "That  was  the  galling  bit  ; 

Which  ought  to  keep  a  man  within  his  bound.  ] 

But  ye  accept  the  baited  hook,  and  it  i 

Draws  you  toward  the  Adversary  old,  j 

Whence  curb  or  call  doth  little  benefit.  1 

The  Heavens  are  calling  to  you,  and  unfold 

Their  never-fading  beauties  to  your  view  \ 

Which  ever  fixt  upon  the  earth  ye  hold;  j 

Whence  the  All-seeing  One  is  scourging  you."  ; 


Ascent  to  the  Terrace  where  Wrath  is  Purged    207 


XV 

Treasure  in  Heaven:  Visions  of  Forbearance 

As  much  as  shows,  between  the  dawn  of  day 

And  when  the  third  hour  closes,  of  the  sphere 
That  Hke  a  child  is  evermore  at  play. 

So  much  seemed  left  the  sun  of  his  career 
Toward  the  night,  remaining  to  be  run: 
There  it  was  vespers,  and  'twas  midnight  here. 

The  rays  were  striking  full  our  face  upon. 

For  so  we  circling  round  the  mountain  went 
That  we  were  going  toward  the  setting  sun; 

When  yet  far  more  I  felt  my  forehead  bent 
Beneath  the  splendor  that  did  on  it  smite. 
And  the  strange  matters  were  my  wonderment: 

Wherefore  I  made  a  visor  to  my  sight. 

Lifting  my  hands  above  these  brows  of  mine 
So  as  to  temper  the  excess  of  light. 

As  when  on  glass  or  water  sunbeams  shine. 
Then  in  the  opposite  direction  dart. 
Ascending  in  a  corresponding  line 

To  that  of  their  descent,  and  so  depart 
Equally  from  the  plummet  line  away. 
As  demonstrate  experiment  and  art; 

So  I  felt  smitten  by  a  flashing  ray 

That  seemed  reflected  full  in  front  of  me. 
Wherefore  mine  eyes  could  not  endure  to  stay. 

"What  is  it.  Father  dear,  whence  cannot  be 
Suflicient  shelter  for  my  sight,^'  said  I, 
"And  coming  on  toward  us  seemingly?" 

"Marvel  thou  not  if  dazzle  yet  thine  eye 

The  family  of  Heaven,"  he  answered.  "Tis 
A  messenger  inviting  us  on  high. 

In  short  while  to  behold  such  things  as  this 
Will  not  be  irksome  to  thee,  but  delight 
So  deep  that  Nature  holds  no  sweeter  bliss." 


Late  afternoon 
of  second  day. 
The  sphere  is 
surely  not  the 
Ecliptic  but  the 
visible  heavens, 
our  sky,  con- 
ceived as  always 
in  happy,  inno- 
cent activity 

Vespers  is  the 
time  from  3  to  6 
P.M.    At  3  in 
Purgatory   it 
would  be  mid- 
night in  Italy 


^08 


Purgatorio 


Ascent  to  the 
Terrace  of  the 
Wraihfid 


Guido  del  Duca: 
lines  86,  87 
of  Canto  xiv 


When  we  had  reacht  the  Angel  benedight, 

His  glad  voice  said:  "From  here  thou  enterest 
A  stair  than  others  far  less  steep  of  flight/^ 

Departing  thence,  we  mounted  now,  and  Blest 
Are  the  compassionate y  did  it  intone 
Behind  us,  and  Rejoice,  thou  conquerest! 

My  Master  and  myself,  we  two  alone, 

Were  going  up,  and,  going,  I  took  thought 
How  from  his  words  to  gain  some  benison; 

And  turned  me  to  him,  thus  inquiring:   "What 
Could  he  have  meant,  the  spirit  Romagnole, 
Speaking  of  sharing  as  permitted  not?" 

Then  he :  "Of  his  own  greatest  sin,  that  soul 

Conceives  the  harm;  whence  let  it  not  surprise 
If  he  rebuke  it,  that  there  be  less  dole. 

For  inasmuch  as  your  heart's  treasure  lies 

Where  through  companionship  ye  lose  a  share, 
Doth  Envy  work  the  bellows  for  your  sighs. 

But  if  love  for  the  most  exalted  sphere 

Should  make  your  aspiration  upward  turn, 
Ye  would  not  harbor  in  your  breast  that  fear; 

Because  the  more  there  yonder  be  who  yearn 

To  murmur  *Ours,'  the  more  has  each,  and  more 
Of  charity  doth  in  that  cloister  burn." 

"I  am  further  from  contentment  than  before 
I  ceased  from  being  silent,"  then  I  said, 
"And  more  of  doubt  within  my  mind  I  store. 

How  can  a  single  boon,  distributed. 

Give  many  holders  wealth  more  unconfined. 
Than  if  it  be  by  few  inherited.'^" 

And  he:  "Because  thou  centerest  thy  mind 
Only  on  earthly  things,  thy  inward  sight 
Is,  in  the  plenitude  of  brightness,  blind. 

That  inexpressible  and  infinite 

Boon  up  above  there,  so  to  love  outflows. 
As  to  a  lucid  body  runs  the  light. 


Partnership  in  Spiritual  Goods  209 

Much  as  it  finds  of  ardor,  it  bestows; 

So  that,  however  spread  the  flame  of  love,  j 

Above  it  the  Eternal  Bounty  grows.  ; 

And  the  more  people  set  their  hearts  above,  ^ 

The  more  love  well  there,  and  more  love  is  wrought,  ^ 

And  mirrors  each  to  each  the  bliss  thereof.  ' 

And  if  my  reasoning  appease  thee  not,  i 

Thou  shalt  have  Beatrice  to  cancel  through  I 

Both  this  and  every  other  craving  thought.  ^ 

Obliterated  of  thy  wounds  are  two :  | 
Only  endeavor  that,  the  same  as  these. 

The  five  may  soon  be  healed  by  feeling  rue.**  ^ 

As  I  was  fain  to  say,  "Thou  dost  appease,"  :; 

Behold!  another  Circle  did  I  gain,  j 
And  eager  eyes  compelled  me  hold  my  peace. 

There  suddenly  I  felt  me  overtaken  Three  visions  of  ; 

By  an  ecstatic  vision,  whence  beguiled,  kTsJ^^^to^tL 

I  saw  a  crowd  of  people  in  a  fane;  Wrathful 

And  at  the  door  a  Lady,  with  the  mild  The  Virgin 

Mien  of  a  mother,  seemed  to  say  this  thing:  Mother 

"Ah,  why  hast  thou  so  dealt  with  us,  my  child?  i 

Thy  father  and  myself,  lo !  sorrowing  ^ 

Were  seeking  thee.'' — ^As  here  she  ceased  to  speak,  \ 

That  which  had  first  appeared  was  vanishing.  } 

Another  then  appeared,  adown  whose  cheek  >. 

Those  waters  coursed  that  grief  distills,  when  great  ■ 

Resentment  upon  others  it  would  wreak :  ' 

"If  Master  of  the  town  that  such  debate  ] 

Caused  to  the  gods  about  its  name,''  said  she,  i 
"And  whence  doth  every  science  scintillate, 

Up)on  that  bold  embrace  avenge  thou  thee,  ; 

That  clasped  our  daughter,  O  Pisistratus !"  Pisistratus, 

Her  lord  benign  and  gentle  seemed  to  me  ^  ^-^  ^^^^     ] 

To  answer  her  with  temperate  manner  thus:  j 

"What  shall  we  do  to  them  who  wish  us  ill,  j 

K  they  who  love  us  are  condemned  by  us?"  ' 


210  Purgatorio 

The  stoning  of     Then  I  saw  angry  folk  aflame  with  will 
St.  Stephen  rp^  gj^y  ^  youth  by  stoning,  raising  cries 

Hoarsely  to  one  another:  "Kill  him,  kill!" 

And  saw  him  bowed  to  earth,  and  now  he  lies 

Under  the  weight  of  Death,  yet,  thus  undone. 
Still  making  gates  to  Heaven  with  his  eyes; 

Lifting  to  the  High  Lord  his  orison, 

With  look  such  as  unlocks  our  sympathy, 
For  pardon  to  his  slayers  every  one. 

Soon  as  returned  my  spirit  outwardly 

To  things  external  to  it,  which  are  true. 
Did  I  my  not  erroneous  errors  see. 

Thereon  my  Leader,  who  could  see  me  do 
Like  one  disputing  slumber's  masterdom, 
Exclaimed :  "What  ails  thee?  canst  not  stand?  go  to ! 

For  half  a  league  and  farther  art  thou  come 

With  eyes  veiled  over,  and  with  legs  that  sway. 
Like  one  with  wine  or  slumber  overcome." 

Then  said  I:  "O  my  gentle  Father,  pray 
Listen  to  me,  and  I  will  tell  thee  what 
I  saw,  when  thus  my  legs  were  ta'en  away  1" 

"A  hundred  masks  upon  thy  face  would  not 
Avail  to  shut  thy  mind  from  me,"  he  said, 
"However  trivial  might  be  thy  thought. 

What  thou  hast  seen  was  that  thou  mayst  be  led 
To  ope  thy  heart  to  waters  of  repose 
That  pour  from  the  eternal  fountainhead. 

I  did  not  ask  *What  ails  thee?'  as  do  those 
Who  only  look  with  inattentive  glance 
When  reft  of  consciousness  the  body  shows. 

But  asked  that  vigorous  thy  foot  advance : 

Thus  it  behooves  to  spur  the  laggard,  slow 
To  put  to  proof  returning  vigilance." 

Still  forward  through  the  vesper  did  we  go, 
Straining  as  far  as  possible  the  eye 
Against  the  late  and  shining  rays;  and  lo! 


Benighting  Effect  of  Wrath  211 

By  slow  degrees  toward  us  coining  nigh  The  symbolic 

A  cloud  of  smoke,  as  gloomy  as  the  night,  *^*^  ^^  ^^'^ 

Nor  was  there  any  place  of  shelter  by: 

This  of  pure  air  bereft  us  and  of  sight. 


212  Purgatorio 

XVI 

Lawlessness  of  the  Temporal  Power  of  the 
Clergy 

Terrace  of  tlie     The  gloom  of  Hades  and  of  shades  that  shroud 
7^n  o/S  Every  star  beneath  a  barren  sky, 

second  day  As  much  as  can  be  overcast  with  cloud. 

Made  never  veil  so  thick  unto  mine  eye 
Nor  of  so  rough  a  tissue  to  the  feeling, 
As  did  that  smoke  we  there  were  covered  by, 

From  the  closed  eye  all  vision  quite  concealing; 
Whereat  mine  Escort  sapient  and  tried 
Offered  me  help,  his  shoulder  tow'rd  me  wheeling. 

Even  as  a  bhnd  man  goes  behind  his  guide. 
And  lest  he  haply  stumble  against  aught 
Might  hurt  or  kill  him,  does  not  go  aside. 

So  faring  through  that  bitter  fume,  I  caught 
The  accents  of  my  Guide,  who  did  but  say: 
"Take  care  that  we  be  separated  not !" — 

Voices  I  heard,  and  each  appeared  to  pray 

That  might  in  peace  and  in  compassion  come 
The  Lamb  of  God  who  takes  our  sins  away. 

Just  Agnus  Dei  was  their  exordium: 

One  measure  was  for  all,  and  one  desire. 
So  that  in  harmony  seemed  all  and  some. 

"Master,  can  what  I  hear,"  did  I  inquire, 

"Be  spirits  .f*" — "Thou  hast  said  it,"  he  replied, 
"And  they  go  loosening  the  knot  of  ire." — 

"Now  who  art  thou  cleaving  our  smoke  aside. 
Who  art  discoursing  of  us  even  as  though 
Thou  didst  by  calends  still  the  time  divide?" — 

Speech  by  a  single  voice  was  uttered  so: 

Whereat  the  Master  said:  "Thy  answer  be 
To  ask  if  here  the  pathway  upward  go." — 

And  I:  "O  creature  that  art  cleansing  thee. 
To  return  beautiful  to  Him  who  made, 
Shalt  hear  a  wonder  if  thou  follow  me." — 


The  Good  Marco  Lomhardo 


213 


"I'll  follow  thee  far  as  I  may/'  it  said, 

"And  if  the  smoke  still  make  our  seeing  vain, 
To  keep  us  joined  shall  hearing  serve  instead." — 

"Swathed  in  the  bands  that  Death  unbinds  again," 
Began  I,  "do  I  go  the  upward  road. 
And  hither  came  I  through  the  eternal  pain; 

And  since  enfolds  me  so  the  grace  of  God, 
Showing  His  will  that  I  behold  His  court 
By  way  quite  other  than  our  modern  mode. 

What  man  thou  wast  ere  death  do  thou  report. 
Concealing  naught,  and  tell  me  if  I  go 
Right  for  the  pass;  and  let  thy  words  escort." 

"Lombard  was  I,  called  Marco;  and  did  know 
The  world's  concerning,  and  that  virtue  love 
Whereat  each  one  has  now  unbent  the  bow: 

For  mounting  up  do  thou  straight  forward  move." — 
Thus  answering,  "I  pray  thee,"  added  he, 
"To  pray  for  me  when  thou  shalt  be  above." — 

And  I  to  him :  "I  pledge  my  faith  to  thee 

To  do  that  which  thou  era  vest;  but  I  burst 
With  inward  doubt  till  from  it  I  am  free. 

Elsewhere  suggested,  it  was  simple  first. 

But  now  confirmed  by  words  which  thou  hast  said. 
Redoubled,  and  to  know  the  cause  I  thirst. 

The  world  in  very  deed  is  forfeited 

To  vice  by  virtue  all,  as  thou  dost  say. 
And  is  with  evil  big  and  overspread: 

But  put  thy  finger  on  the  cause,  I  pray. 
That  I,  discerning  it,  let  others  know 
Whether  the  blame  to  heaven  or  earth  to  lay." — 

Voicing  his  deep  sighs  in  a  cry  by  woe 

Wrung  from  him,  he  began:  "The  world  is  blind. 
Brother,  and  sooth  thou  comst  from  there  below. 

All  causes  are  by  you  who  live  assigned 
To  Heaven  above,  as  if  its  motion  still 
Did  of  necessity  all  natures  bind. 


Marco  Lom- 
bardo:  a  great 
figure  in  his  day,    I 
who  left  a  repu-     j 
tation  for  sagac-     i 
iiy,  vyit,  brusque     \ 
candor,  liber- 
ality, honor.    If    \ 
he  was  prone  to 
ire,  he  probably    \ 
had  good  reason    i 


214  Purgatorio 

If  this  were  true,  your  freedom  of  the  will 

Would  be  destroyed,  and  it  would  not  be  right 
To  have  or  joy  for  good,  or  grief  for  ill. 
The  Heavens  do  your  first  impulses  excite, — 
I  say  not  all;  but  grant  that  this  I  said. 
For  good  or  evil  there  is  given  you  light 
And  free  volition;  which  to  battle  led 

Against  the  stars,  though  weary  it  commence. 
Finally  conquers  all,  if  rightly  fed. 
Though  free,  ye  are  subject  to  omnipotence 

And  better  nature,  which  doth  in  you  mold 
The  mind,  exempt  from  starry  influence. 
Hence  if  the  present  world  go  uncontrolled. 
In  you  the  cause,  let  it  be  sought  in  you : 
And  true  intelligence  I  now  unfold. 
Forth  from  the  hand  of  her  Creator,  who 

Loves  her  before  she  be,  in  maiden  guise, 
With  gleeful  laughter  and  with  tears  of  rue. 
Issues  the  innocent  soul,  in  nothing  wise 

Save  that  from  her  blithe  Maker,  she  again 
BKthely  turns  thither  where  her  pleasure  lies. 
Cheated  at  first,  she  tastes  the  savor  vain 
Of  trivial  good,  and  runs  to  that  desire. 
Her  love  by  guide  unbended  or  by  rein. 
Hence  law  by  way  of  bridle  we  require; 
Require  a  king  discerning  from  aloof 
Of  the  true  city  of  God  at  least  the  spire. 
Chewing  the  cud  Laws  are, — but  who  to  put  them  to  the  proof? 
^^^^nm  V*  ^one:  since  the  shepherd,  he  who  goes  before, 

the  Pastor.   The  Can  chew  the  cud  but  cleaveth  not  the  hoof. 

It  ^r^t'e^^^  Whence  folk  who  see  their  leader  striking  for 
slip,  symbolizes  That  having  which  they  greedily  pursue, 

MmoAhe  ^"^g  f^^  ^t^  that,  hunger  for  nothing  more. 

magistraie.  But  Well  canst  thou  see  that  governance  untrue 

tsI^tihT  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  t^^t  ^^*^  ^^^^  t^^  ^^^^^  malign, 

functions  of  the  And  not  that  nature  is  corrupt  in  you. 


The  Church  of  Rome  Falls  in  the  Mire      215 


Rome,  that  redeemed  the  world,  once  gave  to  shine 
Two  suns,  which  both  the  one  and  the  other  course 
Made  manifest, — the  worldly,  the  divine. 

The  one  hath  quencht  the  other;  and  perforce, 
The  sword  together  with  the  crozier  wed, 
111  can  but  come  of  it  till  they  divorce. 

Since,  joined,  the  one  doth  not  the  other  dread. 
Consider  well,  if  thou  beheve  not  so. 
The  fruit,  for  every  plant  is  known  by  seed. 

In  the  land  laved  by  Adige  and  Po, 

Valor  was  once  in  vogue,  and  courtesy. 
Ere  Frederick  had  quarreled  with  his  foe; 

Now  can  fare  through  it  with  security 

Any  whom  sense  of  shame  may  set  at  strife 
From  speaking  with  the  good  or  drawing  nigh. 

Survive  still,  to  rebuke  the  manners  rife, 

Three  veterans,  and  long  appears  the  road 
To  them,  till  God  conduct  to  better  life: 

Conrad,  named  of  Palazzo,  Gerard  good. 
And  Guido  of  Castello, — better  say 
The  loyal  Lombard,  after  the  French  mode. 

The  Church  of  Rome,  declare  thou  from  this  day. 
That  would  in  double  government  engage. 
Falls  with  its  burden  in  the  miry  way.'' — 

"O  Marco  mine,"  said  I,  "thy  words  are  sage; 
And  now  I  see  why  Levi's  children  should 
Have  been  excluded  from  the  heritage. 

But  who  is  Gerard,  that  example  good. 
Thou  sayest,  of  a  generation  spent. 
Who  lives  to  upbraid  our  barbarous  period?" — 

"Cheat  me  thy  words,  or  make  experiment. 

In  that  thou,  speaking  Tuscan,"  he  replied, 
"Seemst  of  good  Gerard  unintelligent. 

I  know  him  not  by  any  name  beside, 

Unless  'twere  from  his  daughter  Gaia  drawn. — 
I  come  no  farther;  so  be  God  your  guide. 


This  somewhat 
indejinite  allu- 
sion doubtiess 
involves  a  com- 
jdiment  to  a 
great  lady  who 
inherited  and 
increased  the 
honor  of  a  stain- 
less name.    Any 
other  interpre- 
tation is  both 
baseless  and 
graceless 


216  Purgatorio 

Already  through  the  smoke  the  splendor  yon 
Is  whitening, — the  Angel  is  there, — before 
He  has  perceived  me,  I  must  needs  be  gone." — 

So  he  turned  back,  and  would  not  hear  me  more. 


Three  Lifelike  Visions 
XVII 


217 


Profitable  Discourse  during  the  Second  Night 

Recall  to  mind  if  ever  shut  thee  in, 

Reader,  a  cloud  upon  the  Apennine, 
Wherethrough  thou  sawest  but  as  mole  through 
skin; 

How,  when  the  dank,  dense  vapors  discombine. 
And  slowly  fall  away,  the  solar  sphere 
Comes  struggling  in  again  with  feeble  shine; 

And  to  thy  fantasy  it  will  be  clear 

Immediately,  how  I  saw  once  more 
The  sun,  that  was  already  setting  here. 

To  the  sure  footsteps  of  my  Counselor 

Matching  my  own,  from  such  a  cloud  I  thus 
Emerged  to  rays  now  dead  on  the  low  shore. 

O  power  of  fancy,  oft  withdrawing  us 

So  from  without,  we  show  indifference 

Though  a  thousand  trumpets  round  are  clamorous. 

Who  moves  thee  if  impel  thee  not  the  sense? 
Moves  thee  a  heaven-informed  illumining. 
Led  down  by  will  or  starry  influence. 

Appeared  the  trace  in  my  imagining 

Of  her,  the  pitiless,  who  changed,  some  say. 
Into  the  bird  that  most  delights  to  sing; 

And  here  my  intellect  in  such  a  way 

Was  lockt  within,  that  nothing  was  descried 
Of  any  object  that  outside  it  lay. 

In  my  raised  fantasy,  one  crucified 

Rained  down  thereafterward,  of  scornful  mood 
And  rancorous  in  mien,  and  so  he  died. 

Around  him  great  Ahasuerus  stood, 

Esther  his  wife,  just  Mordecai,  he  who 
In  word  and  deed  was  of  such  rectitude. 

And  as  this  image  of  itself  withdrew. 

Collapsing  like  a  bubble  when  it  wants 
The  film  of  water  it  was  fashioned  through, 


Sunset  of  secona 
day.    Terrace 
of  the  Wrathfi.' 


Procne  {or 
Progne),  see 
Canto  ix,  15. 
Dante  follows 
Ovid.  There  is  a 
more  common 
version  of  the 
myth  that  makes 
Philomela  the 
nightingale 


Haman  (Book  of 
Esther).  TheVuU 
gate  in  one  'place 
terms  the  scaf- 
fold a  ^cross^ 


218 


Purgatorio 


Lavinia,  whose 
mother  had 
kiUed  herself  at 
a  false  report  of 
the  death  of 
Turnus.  Mneid 


Ascent  to  the 
Terrace  of  the 
SloOifvl 


Uprose  a  youthful  maiden  in  my  trance. 

Bitterly  weeping,  and  she  cried:  "O  Queen, 
Why  wouldest  thou  be  naught  in  petulance? 

To  lose  Lavinia  not,  thyself  hast  slain: 

Now  thou  hast  lost  me;  she  who  mourns  am  I, 
Mother,  for  thee,  ere  for  another's  teen.'* — 

And  even  as  slumber  breaks,  when  suddenly 

Upon  closed  eyelids  strikes  the  morning  light, 
And,  broken,  wavers  ere  it  wholly  die. 

So  fell  away  from  me  this  fancied  sight. 

Soon  as  there  struck  upon  my  face  a  glare 

That,  matched  with  what  we  know,  seemed  infinite. 

When  I  had  turned  to  see  the  way  to  fare, 

I  heard:  "Here  go  ye  up!"  in  accents  blest 
Withdrawing  me  from  every  other  care. 

Making  my  will  so  eager  in  request 

To  know  the  speaker,  and  to  look  and  see. 
That,  until  face  to  face,  it  cannot  rest. 

But  as  before  the  sun,  excessively 

Resplendent,  veiling  so  its  form  from  sight, 
Thus  was  the  power  deficient  here  in  me. 

'^This  is  a  spirit  divine,  who  tow'rd  the  height. 

Without  our  prayer,  points  where  we  should  be 

hieing. 
And  wraps  himself  about  with  his  own  fight. 

He  deals  with  us  as  self  to  self  replying; 

For  who  awaits  the  prayer,  and  feels  the  need, 
Mafignly  leans  already  to  denying. 

To  such  inviting  let  our  feet  be  sped: 

Now  press  we  up  ere  darkness  round  us  be, 
For  else  we  cannot  until  dawn  is  red." — 

When  so  had  said  my  Leader,  I  and  he 

Together  toward  a  stairway  turned  our  feet; 
And  soon  as  I  had  reacht  the  first  degree. 

My  face  was  fanned  as  by  a  pinion's  beat. 

And  I  heard  say:  "Blest  the  Peacemakers  are, 
Because  by  evil  anger  not  beset." — 


The  Seven  Roots  of  Sin 


219 


Now  were  uplifted  over  us  so  far 

The  parting  beams  whereon  the  night  pursues. 

That  upon  every  side  shone  forth  a  star. 
"Alas,  why  are  my  sinews  grown  so  loose?" 

Within  me  I  began  to  murmur,  for 

I  felt  my  power  of  limb  was  put  in  truce. 
Come  were  we  where  ascended  now  no  more 

The  stairway  up,  and  there  we  fast  were  stayed, 

Even  as  a  vessel  moored  upon  the  shore; 
And  for  a  little  while  I  gave  full  heed 

If  aught  were  heard  within  the  circle  new; 

Then  to  my  Master  turned  about,  and  said: 
"Inform  me  here,  beloved  Father  true. 

What  fault  is  in  this  circle  purified? 

Though  pause  the  feet,  let  not  thy  word  so  do." — 
And  he  to  me:  "The  love  of  good,  denied 

Its  due  activity,  is  here  restored; 

Here  the  ill-slackened  oar  again  is  plied. 
Wouldst  thou  more  clearly  comprehend  my  word. 

Be  but  attentive  and,  although  we  wait, 

Thou  shalt  derive  some  profit  and  reward. 
Neither  Creator,  no,  nor  thing  create. 

Son,"  he  began,  "was  ever  void  of  love, — 

Thou  knowest  it, — or  of  spirit,  or  innate. 
Innative  love  doth  ever  faultless  prove; 

But  the  other,  by  ill  aim,  or  little  might. 

Or  by  excessive  might,  is  prone  to  rove. 
While  tends  to  primal  goods  the  appetite. 

In  secondary  things  self -moderator. 

It  cannot  be  the  cause  of  ill  delight; 
But  when  it  turns  to  evil,  or  with  greater 

Or  less  than  proper  zeal,  on  good  is  bent. 

The  creature  works  against  its  own  Creator. 
As  seed  in  you  of  all  that's  excellent. 

Thou  mayest  infer  that  Love  must  needs  have 
served, 

And  of  each  act  that  merits  punishment. 


Second  nightr 
faU 


''Accidiar  {cf. 
Inf.  vii,  last 
few  lines) : 
Spiritual  indif- 
ference or  torpor 
(not,  of  course, 
physical  sloth) 


Two  hinds  of 
love:  innate  and 
self-directed 


When  love  of 
worldly  goods  is 
not  rnoderated, 
or  when  love  of 
spiritual  good  is 
torpid 


220 


Piirgatorio 


Pride 


Envy 


Wrath 


These  three 
affections 
purged  in  the 
lower  terraces 


Sloth 


Sensual  enjoy- 
ment takes  three 
forms,  as  will  he 
seen  later 


Now,  since  there  never  was  a  love  that  swerved 
From  goods  that  proper  to  its  person  be. 
From  their  own  hatred  are  all  things  preserved; 

And  since  no  being  independently 

Can  be  conceived,  cut  from  the  First  away, 
From  hating  Him  is  all  affection  free. 

Hence  if,  distinguishing,  I  rightly  say 

It  is  your  neighbor's  harm  you  love,  takes  root 
This  love  in  triple  fashion  in  your  clay. 

There  are  who,  seeing  their  neighbor  underfoot, 
Hope  to  excel,  and  for  this  reason,  down 
From  his  high  pinnacle  would  have  him  put. 

There  are  who  power,  grace,  honor,  or  renown 
Fearing  to  forfeit,  if  another  rise. 
Crave  the  reverse,  and  on  his  fortune  frown; 

Then  those  who  seem  to  chafe  at  injuries. 

Greedy  for  vengeance,  so  that  it  behooves 
Them  evil  to  another  to  devise. 

Yonder  below  are  wept  these  threefold  loves: 
Now  of  the  other  do  I  thee  to  wit. 
That  to  the  good  in  faulty  measure  moves. 

Vaguely  each  one  conceives  a  benefit 

Wherein  the  mind  may  rest,  and  yearns  thereto; 
Whence  each  endeavors  to  attain  to  it. 

If  languid  be  the  love  inciting  you 

To  look  upon  it,  or  to  make  pursuit. 
This  Cornice  pains  you  on  repentance  due. 

There's  other  good  wherein  there  is  no  boot: 
It  is  not  happiness,  is  not  the  good 
Essence,  of  every  good  the  fruit  and  root. 

The  love  that  yields  unduly  to  such  mood 
Is  up  above  be  wept  in  circles  three; 
But  how  it  were  tripartite  understood, 

I  leave  unspoken,  to  be  sought  by  thee." — 


Here  the  Will  to  Sin  Is  Purified  221 

Note 

The  discourses  of  Love  and  Free  Will  explain  the  radical  difference 
between  the  classification  of  sins  in  Hell  and  that  which  is  set  forth 
here  (cf.  Inferno  xi).  In  Hell  specific  sinful  deeds  are  punished;  here 
the  Will  is  purified.  Thus  the  generic  vice  which  Dante  calls  Avarice 
may  be  the  occasion  of  a  great  variety  of  specific  sins.  To  repent  of  a 
given  sin  is  one  thing;  to  have  the  crooked  Will  so  straightened  that 
Love  is  awakened  for  the  corresponding  virtue,  is  quite  another.  The 
avaricious,  for  example,  desires  to  continue  his  cleansing  and  straight- 
ening process  until  unselfish  generosity  becomes  a  passion  in  him. 


222 


Purgatorio 


Second  night- 
Terrace  of  the 
Slothful 


Philosophical 
discourse  con- 
tinned 


^Form^ — i.e., 
nature:  fire 
tends  to  rise  to 
the  sphere  of  fire 
{cf.  dose  of 
Par.  i) 


XVIII 

Love  and  Free  Will 

Having  made  end  now  to  his  argument. 
Into  my  face  the  lofty  Teacher  flung 
A  searching  look,  if  I  appeared  content. 

And  I,  with  a  new  thirst  already  stung, 

Was  mute  without,  and  said  within:  "Perchance 
I  trouble  him  by  questioning  too  long." — 

But  that  true  Father,  who  took  cognizance 

Of  the  shy  wish  that  would  no  word  afford. 
By  speaking,  heartened  me  to  utterance. 

Whence  I:  "My  vision  is  so  well  restored 
In  thy  light.  Master,  that  I  clearly  see 
The  whole  scoi>e  and  the  import  of  thy  word. 

I  pray  thee,  therefore,  to  expound  to  me 

The  Love  whereto  thou  tracest,  Father  kind. 
Every  good  action  and  its  contrary." — 

"Direct  to  me  the  keen  eyes  of  the  mind, 
And  the  error  will  be  manifest  to  thee. 
Of  those  who  would  be  leaders,  being  blind. 

The  soul,  to  love  created  prone  and  free, 
Is  mobile  to  all  objects  of  delight. 
When  roused  by  pleasure  to  activity. 

From  something  real  your  perceptive  sight 

Shapes  forth  an  image  and  displays  in  you. 
So  as  to  make  the  spirit  turn  to  it; 

And  if,  so  turning,  she  incline  thereto. 

That  inclination  is  Love,  is  Nature's  bent 
Through  pleasure  striking  root  in  you  anew. 

Then,  even  as  fire  has  motion  of  ascent, 

By  virtue  of  its  form  which  makes  it  wing 
To  where  it  dwells  more  in  its  element: 

So  the  rapt  soul  doth  into  longing  spring, 
A  spiritual  motion,  never  still 
Till  she  rejoice  in  the  beloved  thing. 


Ethics  Based  on  Freedom  of  Will  223 


Now  may  be  evident  how  very  ill 

They  view  the  truth,  who  would  aver  to  thee 
That  all  love  in  itself  is  laudable. 

Because  its  matter  may  ideally 

Appear  good  always:  but  not  every  seal 
Is  good,  however  good  the  wax  may  be." — 

"Thy  words,  and  my  wit  following,  reveal 
Love  and  its  nature  to  me,''  answered  I, 
"But  therefore  all  the  greater  doubt  I  feel; 

For  if  Love  offer  from  without,  and  by 
Another  foot  the  spirit  travel  not. 
She  has  no  merit,  go  she  straight  or  wry." — 

And  he  to  me :  "As  far  as  pierces  thought, 

Myself  can  tell:  beyond  that  fix  thy  mind 
On  Beatrice,  that  faith  in  thee  be  wrought. 

Every  substantial  form  that  is  conjoined 
With  matter,  and  yet  from  it  cut  away, 
Holds  inward  virtue  of  specific  kind, 

Which,  save  in  act,  is  not  brought  into  play, 
By  its  effect  alone  in  evidence. 
Like  life  in  plant  evinced  by  the  green  spray. 

Thus,  whence  originates  intelligence 
Of  first  ideas,  is  unknown  to  thee. 
And  bent  of  the  primordial  appetence. 

Which  are  in  you  as  study  in  the  bee 

To  make  its  honey;  and  such  primal  bent 
Of  neither  praise  nor  blame  receives  the  fee. 

Now,  that  with  this  may  all  desires  consent. 
The  power  that  counsels  is  innate  in  you, 
And  ought  to  hold  the  threshold  of  assent. 

This  is  the  principle  wherefrom  accrue 

The  grounds  of  your  desert,  as  gathering 
And  winnowing  the  false  loves  from  the  true. 

Who  to  the  bottom  went  in  reasoning. 
Took  notice  of  this  inborn  liberty. 
Thus  morals  to  the  world  delivering. 


The  Ejncureans 


''Footr-^.e. 
motive 

Virgil  stands 
merely  for 
human  reason 


Scholastic 
phrasing:  sauly 
although  joined 
with  matter,  is 
yet  distinct 
from  it 


Reason  watches 
at  the  threshold 
between  this  in- 
stinct and  free 
desires 


Aristotle  and 
Plato  recognized 
free  will  as  the 
cornerstone  of 
Ethics 


^24                             Purgatorio  ] 

Assuming,  then,  that  from  necessity  i 

All  love  is  kindled  rightly  or  amiss. 

To  hinder  it  ye  have  ability.  j 

This  noble  virtue  is  called  by  Beatrice  | 

The  Freedom  of  the  Will;  take  heed  aright 

If  she  begin  to  speak  to  thee  of  this." —  } 

For  this  compli-  The  slow  moon  tow'rd  the  middle  of  the  night,  ■ 

cated  series  of             Shaped  like  a  bucket  all  ablaze,  more  wan  , 

aUusions  I  must             ^^-r                i       i                   n     •                          •   i  ' 

refer  the  curious          Now  made  the  constellations  to  our  sight,  j 

reader  to            ^j^^j  counter  to  the  heavens  that  pathway  ran  ' 

Moore  s  'Stud-  tt      ,  i         i  •  i  •  i    i         p  t» 

ies  in  Dante,"  Fired  by  the  setting  sun,  which  he  ot  Home 

ill,  71-73                   gggg  'twixt  Sardinian  and  Corsican;  i 

The  modem        When  he,  that  noble  shade  by  fame  of  whom  i 

U^  iLr^^^'^'^          Pietola  every  Mantuan  town  outwent,  ' 

Had  put  aside  my  fardel  burdensome: 

So  that  I,  who  explicit  argument  j 

And  lucid  to  my  questioning  had  found,  j 

Remained  like  one  who  rambles  somnolent.  ^ 

The  purgation     But  from  this  somnolence  I  was  unbound  j 

of  the  Slothful             ^1  of  a  sudden  by  a  multitude  ; 

Toward  us  from  behind  now  coining  round. 
Of  old  Ismenus  and  Asopus  viewed 

Such  hurrying  throng  at  night  their  banks  beside. 

Their  patron  god          If  Thebans  but  in  need  of  Bacchus  stood,  1 
As  these  who  round  that  Cornice  curve  their  stride. 

From  what  I  saw  of  those  approaching  me,  j 

On  whom  good  will  and  right  affection  ride.  | 
The  voices  in  the  They  were  soon  upon  us,  for  that  great  company 

airthat^scourge"           ^^^  coming  at  a  run;  and  with  lament  ; 

the  indifferent                 rr»        .         i                  •    i             i                i  ' 

Two  in  advance  cried  out  alternately:  - 

"Mary  with  haste  to  the  hill  country  went,"  j 

And  "Caesar,  that  he  might  Ilerda  gain,  \ 
Struck  at  Marseilles,   then  sweeping  Spainward 

bent."—  ^ 

"Quick,  quickly,  lest  the  time  be  spent  in  vain  \ 
Through  little  love!" — then  cried  the  others, — "So 
Well-doing  zeal  may  make  grace  green  again." —         ; 


Scourges  of  the  Slothful 


225 


"O  people,  in  whom  keen  zeal  redeemeth  now. 
Perchance,  delay  and  negligence  in  you 
By  lukewarmth  in  well-doing  shown  below, 

This  man  who  Hves  (I  surely  tell  you  true!) 
Would  fain  go  up,  if  shine  again  the  sun; 
So  tell  us  where  is  nearest  passage  through." — 

These  words  were  spoken  by  my  Guide;  and  one 
Among  those  spirits  answered:  "Follow  us. 
And  thou  shalt  find  the  opening  anon. 

We  are  so  full  of  zeal  for  running  thus. 

We  cannot  stay;  pardon,  we  therefore  cry. 
If  this  our  duty  seem  discourteous. 

San  Zeno's  abbot  at  Verona  I, 

Beneath  good  Barbarossa's  empire,  whom 
Yet  Milan  cannot  name  without  a  sigh. 

And  one  has  foot  already  in  the  tomb 

Who  shall  erelong  that  monastery  rue. 
And  rue  the  having  had  there  masterdom. 

Because  his  son,  in  body  lame,  thereto 

Mind  lamer  still,  and  who  was  born  amiss, 
He  put  in  office  of  its  pastor  true." — 

I  know  not  whether  yet  he  held  his  peace, 
So  far  beyond  us  he  was  hurrying. 
But  gladly  I  remember  hearing  this. 

And  he  who  was  my  help  in  everything 

Now  said:  "Turn  hitherward  and  look, — ^two  more 
Are  coming  onward,  giving  sloth  a  sting." 

^'Dead  were  the  folk  whom  ocean  op>ened  for," 

They,  bringing  up  the  rear,  were  crying  thus, 
"Ere  Jordan  lookt  on  its  inheritor," — 

And, — ^^Those  who  found  it  too  laborious 
To  bide  the  issue  with  Anchises'  son. 
Gave  themselves  up  to  life  inglorious." — 

Then,  when  so  distant  were  those  shades  that  none 
Could  more  be  seen  of  all  that  multitude. 
My  mind  began  upon  new  thoughts  to  run. 


Albert,  lord  of 
Verona^   had 
made  the  prior- 
ate  a  berth  for 
his  lame  natural 


Those  lukewarm 
Children   of 
Israel  who  were 
left  in  the  urU- 
demess,  and 
those  followers 
of  Mneas  wlio 
chose  to  stay  in 
Sicily 


226  Purgatorio 

The  medley  of     Whence  many  more  were  born,  a  motley  brood; 
^Iti^rean,  ^nd  so  did  one  upon  another  teem, 

I  lapsed  with  closed  eyes  into  drowsihood. 
Transmuting  meditation  into  dream. 


Dream  of  the  Siren 


%<m 


XIX 

A  Repentant  Pope  (Adrian  V) 

It  was  the  hour  wherein  the  heat  of  noon. 
By  Saturn  haply,  or  by  earth  undone. 
Can  warm  no  more  the  coldness  of  the  moon; 

When  geomancers  see  before  the  dawn 

Their  Greater  Fortune  rising  eastward  through 
A  course  she  will  not  long  go  darkling  on; 

I  saw  in  dream  a  stammering  woman,  who 
Was  squint  of  eye,  and  of  distorted  feet. 
Bereft  of  hands,  and  sallow  in  her  hue. 

I  gazed  at  her:  as  from  the  sun  streams  heat 
Into  the  limbs  made  chilly  by  the  night. 
Even  so  my  gazing  served  to  liberate 

Her  tongue,  and  erelong  wholly  set  her  right. 
And  with  the  pallor  of  her  features  blent 
The  flushes  that  to  love  are  requisite. 

Thereon  her  speech  became  so  eloquent. 

And  so  her  song  began  to  charm  mine  ear. 
That  scarce  could  I  away  from  her  have  bent: 

"Sweet  Siren  I,  who  witch  the  mariner 
Amid  the  billows,''  she  began  to  sing, 
"So  full  of  pleasantness  am  I  to  hear; 

I  turned  Ulysses  from  his  wandering 

By  power  of  song;  who  listen  to  my  strain 
Seldom  depart  from  me,  all-solacing." — 

Her  parted  lips  had  not  yet  closed  again. 
Ere  for  her  quick  confusion,  at  my  side, 
A  Lady  holy  and  alert  was  seen. 

"O  Virgil,  Virgil,  who  is  this!" — she  cried 
Indignantly;  and  he  was  drawing  near 
With  looks  but  to  that  modest  Virtue  tied. 

He  seized  the  other  one  and  laid  her  bare. 
Rending  her  garb,  the  belly  to  display; 
This  waked  me  with  the  stench  arising  there. 


Before  dawn  of 
the  third  day: 
Dante's  Dream 


This  vxyman, 
whatever  her 
name,  is  the 
original  of  her 
who  is  ^of  so 
frightful  mien  as 
to  be  hated  needs 
but  to  be  seen" 


Dante,  who 
knew  Homer 
only  by  tradition 
and  comment, 
confuses  the 
Siren  loith 


There  is  dror 
malic  contrast 
between  this 
dream  of  Vir- 
giTs  negligence 
and  his  real 
watchfulness 


228  Purgatorio 

Eying  the  Master  good,  I  heard  him  say: 

"Thrice  have  I  called  thee;  rise  and  come,  to  find 
The  opening  where  goes  thy  passageway." — 

I  rise:  lo!  round  the  sacred  mountain  wind 
The  Cornices  in  open  day;  and  now 
We  go  our  way  with  the  new  sun  behind. 

Following  after  him,  I  bore  my  brow 

Like  one  who  makes  himself,  o  'erborne  with  thought. 
Into  the  half -arch  of  a  bridge  to  bow; 
The  voice  of  an    When  "Come,  here  is  the  passage!" — this  I  caught 
^^  In  accents  mild,  of  such  benignity 

As  in  this  mortal  region  hear  we  not. 

With  open  wings  that  seemed  of  swan*s-down,  he 
Upward  directed  who  had  spoken  thus. 
Between  two  walls  of  solid  masonry. 

Thereon  with  moving  pinions  fanned  he  us, 
AflSrming  that  the  mourners  shall  be  blest. 
Their  souls  endowed  with  solace  plenteous. 

"What  ails  thee  that  thou  earthward  rivetest 

Thy  glance?" — began  to  say  to  me  my  Guide, 
When  somewhat  past  the  Angel  we  had  pressed. 

And  I:  "With  such  misgiving  am  I  plied 
By  novel  vision  of  compulsive  stress. 
So  that  my  thoughts  as  by  a  spell  are  tied." — 

"Hast  seen,"  said  he,  "that  ancient  sorceress? 
She  who  alone  is  now  bewept  up  yond. 
And  seen  how  man  is  loosed  from  her  duress? 

Be  it  enough, — beat  heels  upon  the  ground, — 
Lift  eyes  toward  the  lure  up,  that  with  vast 
Circles,  the  Eternal  King  is  whirling  round." — 

Like  hawk  that,  eying  first  his  feet,  at  last 

Turns  to  the  call  and  spreads  his  pinions  out, 
By  longing  yonder  drawn  to  break  his  fast; 

Such  I,  and  such,  far  as  affords  a  route 

The  cloven  rock  to  them  who  upward  go, 
I  went  where  starts  the  circling  round  about. 


A  Worldly  Prelate,  a  Repentant  Pope      229  1 

When  opened  to  me  the  Fifth  Cornice,  lo !  Fifth  Terrace: 

People  who  wept  upon  it  there,  nor  stirred  Amrice^^  J 

From  lying  prone,  with  faces  turned  below. 

"My  soul  hath  to  the  pavement  cleaved !"  I  heard  ' 

Their  voices  uttering  with  such  deep  sighs,  ! 

That  one  could  hardly  understand  the  word. 

"O  ye  elect  of  God,  whose  agonies  ^ 

Are  made  by  justice  and  by  hope  less  grim,  - 

Direct  us  where  the  lofty  stairs  uprise." —  = 
"Come  ye  exempt  from  lying  prone  of  limb. 

And  would  mount  upward  by  the  quickest  way,  i 

Let  your  right  hand  be  ever  tow*rd  the  rim." — 
Reply  was  made  thus  from  not  far  away 

To  this  prayer  of  the  Poet;  wherefore  I  ■ 

Marked  something  which  the  speaker  failed  to  say,  i 
And  thereon  to  my  Master  turned  mine  eye; 

WTierefore  with  cheerful  sign  he  gave  assent  '. 

To  what  my  looks  were  craving  wistfully.  \ 

When  I  could  act  according  to  my  bent,  ! 

I  said,  and  stood  above  that  being  there,  ! 

Whose  words  already  rendered  me  intent:  , 

"Spirit,  whose  weeping  ripens  thee  to  bear  \ 

Fruit  without  which  to  God  is  no  returning,  | 

Suspend  awhile  for  me  thy  greater  care.  j 

Who  wast  thou.'*  Why  your  backs  thus  upward  turning?  ; 

When  I  go  yon  whence  moved  my  living  feet,  j 

Can  I  do  aught  to  satisfy  thy  yearning?" —  : 
"Shalt  learn,"  said  he,  "why  Heaven  esteems  it  meet 

We  turn  our  backs  to  it;  but  meanwhile  know  I 

I  was  successor  to  Saint  Peter's  seat. 
'Twixt  Sestri  and  Chiavari  doth  flow 

A  river  fair,  whose  title  of  renown  i 

Springs  from  my  race.    A  month  sufficed  to  show  | 
How  heavy  the  Great  Mantle  weighs  on  one                     Mournful  xoords    \ 

Who  seeks  to  guard  it  from  the  miry  sty,  p^^  ^^^^  "    j 

So  that  all  other  burdens  seem  but  down.  " 


230  Purgatorio 

Ah  me!  too  late  conversion  here  I  sigh: 

But  when  I  gained  the  Pastorate  of  Rome, 
Then  learned  I  life  for  what  it  is,  a  lie. 

There  for  the  longing  heart  I  found  no  home. 
Nor  in  that  life  a  loftier  ascent; 
So  love  of  this  sprang  up  in  me  therefrom. 

Till  then  I  was  a  spirit  malcontent. 

Alien  from  God,  devoted  all  to  gain. 
Whence  thou  beholdest  here  my  punishment. 

The  effect  of  avarice  is  here  made  plain 
In  purging  of  converted  souls:  upon 
The  Mountain  nowhere  is  more  bitter  pain. 

Even  as  our  eye  was  not  uplifted  yon 

To  Heaven,  but  fixed  upon  the  things  of  earth, 
So  Justice  here  has  sunk  it  earthward  down. 

As  avarice  quenched  our  love  to  all  of  worth 
So  that  our  power  of  doing  good  was  spent, 
So  Justice  binds  us  here  in  utter  dearth 

Of  freedom  on  this  ledge,  thus  impotent: 

So  long  as  please  our  Father  just  and  good, 
So  long  we  stay  immobile  and  distent.^' — 

I  had  knelt  down,  and  would  have  fain  pursued 
The  conversation,  but  he  seemed  to  know 
^  By  hearing,  of  my  reverent  attitude: 

"What  cause,"  said  he,  "has  bowed  thee  downward 
so?"— 
And  I :  "By  reason  of  your  Dignity 
My  upright  conscience  urged  the  posture  low." — 
He  is  no  longer    "Make  straight  thy  legs;  rise,  brother!" — answered  he, 
Spomrof  li^'  "^""  ^^^'  because  I  feUow-service  hold 

Bride  Under  one  Power  with  others  and  with  thee. 

If  thou  that  holy  Gospel  word  of  old 

Which  saith,  *They  neither  marry,'  ever  weighed, 
Why  thus  I  speak  thou  mayst  full  well  behold. 

Now  go :  I  would  not  have  thee  longer  stayed. 
For  while  thou  tarriest  my  tears  I  stay. 
Whereby  I  ripen  that  which  thou  hast  said. 


Only  Alagia  Left  to  Pray  for  Him         231 

I  have  a  niece  there  named  Alagia,  Wife  of  the 

Good  in  herself,  if  but  our  family  Mdaspina  who 

T,     .„  1111  o^nended  the 

J5y  ill  example  lead  her  not  astray:  Poet  in  1306. 

And  she  alone  on  earth  is  left  to  me."^ —  T^  speaker 

leaves  Dante  to 
infer  why  the 
lady  is  men- 
tioned.    See 
dose  of  Canto 
via 


232  Purgatorio 

XX 

The  Founder  of  a  Great  Royal  House 

Third  day:  Counter  to  better  will  strives  will  in  vain : 

"F^ih'rJZl!'  Whence  I,  for  his  content,  with  discontent 

where  Avarice  is  Dry  from  the  water  drew  the  sponge  again. 

^^^  I  moved,  and  with  my  Leader  onward  went 

Along  the  cliff  through  gaps  none  occupy, 
As  by  a  wall  hugging  the  battlement; 
Because  that  folk  distilling  through  the  eye 
The  ill  wherewith  the  world  is  all  possest. 
On  the  other  side  too  near  the  margin  lie. 
This  terrible       Thou  old  She-Wolf,  may  curses  on  thee  rest, 
H  pZZiie  That  more  than  aU  the  other  beasts  hast  prey, 

beginning  {Inf. i)  Because  thy  hungry  maw  gap)es  hoUowest! 

O  Heaven,  in  whose  revolving,  p)eople  say. 
Conditions  are  transmuted  here  below, 
When  comes  he  who  shall  drive  this  wolf  away? 
We  went  along  with  paces  few  and  slow. 
And  I  attentive  to  the  utterance 
Of  shadows  weeping  and  lamenting  so; 
Examples  of  the  When  on  in  front  of  us  I  heard,  by  chance, 
ZtuT^'"'^  "O  blessed  Mary !"— even  as  makes  her  moan 

A  childing  woman;  and  in  continuance, 
"What  poverty  was  thine  may  well  be  known 
By  thy  poor  entertainment  at  the  inn 
Where  thou  didst  lay  thy  holy  burden  down." — 
Reused  the         Then:  "Good  Fabricius,  who  wouldest  win 
P^ynhui  ^^^  "^^^^  ^^  virtue  linkt  with  poor  estate, 

'  Far  rather  than  great  opulence  with  sin !" — 

These  words  were  of  delight  to  me  so  great. 

That  I  pushed  on,  more  knowledge  to  possess 
thrJ^'d^L  ^  *^^*  ^^"^  whence  they  seemed  to  emanate. 

into  their  tdn-     It  went  on  speaking  of  the  largesses 
1Z  "frTdis,  pf  Ni'^holf  to  the  girk,  their  maidenhood 

honor  Thus  leading  in  the  path  of  righteousness. 


A  Sweeping  Historical  Survey 


233 


"O  soul  abounding  in  report  so  good. 

Tell  who  thou  wast,  and  why  alone,**  I  said, 
"By  thee  these  worthy  praises  are  renewed? 

Thy  words  shall  have  a  meed  well  merited. 
If  I  return  to  finish  the  brief  race 
Of  mortal  life  that  tow'rd  the  end  is  sped/* — 

"I'll  tell  thee,  not  that  I  from  yonder  place 

May  hope  relief,"  he  said,  "but  since  there  shoot 
Forth  from  thee  ere  thy  death  such  gleams  of  grace. 

I  was  of  that  malignant  plant  the  root. 

Shadowing  so  all  Christian  lands  that  they 
Yield  niggard  harvesting  of  wholesome  fruit. 

But  ah !  if  Bruges  and  Ghent  and  Lille  and  Douay 
W^re  potent,  there  would  light  on  it  swift  doom; 
And  this  of  Him  who  judges  all  I  pray. 

I  was  called  there  Hugh  Capet :  from  me  come 
The  Louises  and  Philips  every  one 
Who  recently  in  France  hold  masterdom. 

A  mere  Parisian  butcher  called  me  son. 

When  ceased  the  ancient  monarchs  to  exist. 
Save  one,  betaken  unto  orders  dun, 

Then  found  I  tightly  clenched  within  my  fist 

The  bridle  of  the  realm,  with  power  that  goes 
With  multitude  of  friends,  and  new  acquist; 

So  to  the  widowed  diadem  arose 

The  head  of  mine  own  son;  from  whom  took  birtli 
The  consecrated  bones  of  all  of  those. 

Till  the  Great  Dowry  of  Provence  caused  dearth 
Of  shame  among  the  kith  and  kin  of  me, 
They  did  no  harm,  although  of  little  worth. 

Began  by  fraud  and  by  rapacity 

Their  rapine  then;  and  after,  for  amends. 
Took  Ponthieu,  Normandy,  and  Gascony. 

Charles  came  to  Italy,  and,  for  amends. 
Made  Conradin  a  victim;  then  a  prey 
Of  Thomas,  thrust  to  Heaven,  for  amends. 


Hugh  Capet: 
founder  of  the 
dynasty  now  the 
bane  of  France, 
Flanders,  Italy 

Wotdd  be  called 
today  a  great 
rancher  or 
*^packer" 


Charles  of 
Anjou  did  to 
death  the  last  of 
the  HohenstaU" 
fen  and  St. 
Thomas  Aquinas 


^4 


Purgatorio 


Charles  of 
Vakns 


Charles,  the 
second  king  in 
Naples  of  the 
house  of  Anjou 
(caUed  "the 
cripj^e  of  Jeru- 
salem" Par.  xix) 


The  outrage 
done  to  Pope 
Boniface  by 
agents  of  Philip 
the  Fair  (JVth) 

The  destruction 
of  the  Order  of 
^  Temple  hy 
Philip.     Cf. 
Brovming's 
''The  Heretic's 
Tragedy" 


In  the  daytime 
they  praise  the 
virtue;  at  night 
they  stigmatize 
the  vice 


I  see  a  time,  not  distant  from  this  day, 

That  shall  lead  forth  another  Charles  from  France, 
Both  him  and  his  the  better  to  betray. 

Unarmed  he  goes  alone,  but  with  the  lance 

Wherewith  Iscariot  jousted,  and  that  same 
Within  the  bursting  paunch  of  Florence  plants. 

He  thence  not  any  land,  but  sin  and  shame 

Shall  win,  so  much  the  heavier  therethrough 
That  he  the  lighter  reckons  all  such  blame. 

The  other,  pluckt  once  from  his  ship,  I  view 
Vending  his  daughter  in  the  market  place, 
As  corsairs  with  the  other  bondmaids  do. 

0  Avarice,  since  thou  hast  brought  my  race 

To  hold  its  issue  at  so  cheap  a  rate. 
What  further  canst  thou  do  for  our  disgrace? 
That  past  and  future  ill  appear  less  great, 
I  see  the  Fleur-de-Lis  Alagna  gain, 
And  in  His  Vicar  Christ  incarcerate. 

1  see  how  there  they  mock  Him  yet  again, 

I  see  the  vinegar  and  gall  renew, 

And  between  Hving  thieves  I  see  Him  slain. 

I  see  so  pitiless  the  Pilate  new 

That,  yet  unsated,  he  without  decree 
Into  the  Temple  steers  his  greedy  crew. 

When,  O  my  Lord,  shall  I  rejoice  to  see 

The  vengeance  that  doth  in  thy  counsels  hide, 
Calming  thine  anger  in  thy  secrecy.'* — 

What  I  was  saying  of  that  only  bride 

Of  the  Holy  Spirit,  prompting  thee  to  pray 
Some  comment  of  me,  that  is  still  replied 

To  all  our  orisons  while  lasts  the  day; 

But  in  the  place  thereof,  when  night  comes  on 
We  ring  the  changes  on  a  counter-lay: 

We  tell  the  tale  then  of  Pygmalion 

Who  traitor,  thief,  and  parricide  was  made 
By  gluttony  for  gold;  and  harp  upon 


The  Mountain  Quakes 


235 


Poor  Midas,  how  he  covetously  prayed, 

And  what  fulfillment  followed  to  his  bane. 
Wherefore  men  laugh  forever  at  his  greed 

We  all  record  then  Achan  the  insane, 

Who  seems,  because  he  took  the  accursed  thing, 
Wrung  by  the  wrath  of  Joshua  again; 

Sapphira  with  her  spouse  to  judgment  bring; 
Then  praise  the  hoof -beats  Heliodorus  bore; 
And  Polymnestor's  shame  doth  all  enring 

The  Mountain,  for  the  murdered  Polydore; 

Lastly  we  cry:  *Tell  us,  for  thou  dost  know, 
Crassus,  the  savor  of  the  golden  ore !' — 

Sometimes  we  speak,  one  loud,  another  low, 
According  as  affection  may  be  spurred 
To  make  the  pace  of  speaking  fast  or  slow; 

Wherefore,  if  I  alone  erewhile  was  heard 
Citing  the  good  whereof  we  tell  by  day, 
None  else  at  hand  was  lifting  up  the  word." — 

Departed  from  him,  we  had  gone  our  way. 

And  on  the  thoroughfare  I  spent  my  breath 
To  overcome  it  far  as  in  me  lay. 

When  now  behold!  the  Mountain  shuddereth 
As  to  its  fall;  whence  over  me  is  driven 
A  chill,  as  over  him  who  goes  to  death. 

Such  shock  was  surely  not  to  Delos  given 
Before  Latona  coucht  therein,  to  be 
Dehvered  there  of  the  twin  eyes  of  Heaven. 

Uprose  a  paean  simultaneously 

Such  that  the  Master  nearer  to  me  trod. 
Saying:  "Fear  not  while  I  am  guiding  thee." — 

All  shouted:  "Glory  in  the  highest  to  God!" 
For  so  the  neighbor  voices  seemed  to  say. 
From  whom  the  paean  might  be  understood. 

Like  to  the  shepherds  who  first  heard  that  lay. 
We  stood  there  without  motion,  all  intent. 
Till  ceased  the  trembling,  and  it  died  away. 


2  Maccabees  Hi, 
25  {The  other 
examples  can 
readily  be 
found) 


Apollo  and 
Diana 


236  Purgaiorio 

Again  we  on  our  holy  journey  went, 

Eying  the  shades  upon  the  ground  below. 
Returned  now  to  their  ritual  lament. 

No  ignorance  with  eagerness  to  know 

Ever  within  me  such  a  battle  fought. 
Unless  my  memory  err,  as  to  and  fro 

Appeared  then  to  be  struggling  in  my  thought: 
Nor  did  I,  for  our  haste,  to  question  dare. 
Nor  of  myself  could  I  discover  aught; 

So  faint  and  pensive  did  I  onward  fare. 


The  Earthquake  Explained 


237 


XXI 

The  Poet  Statius 

The  natural  thirst  unsatisfied  for  aye 

Save  with  that  water  for  whose  boon  was  fain 
The  lowly  woman  of  Samaria, 

Tormented  me,  and  by  the  encumbered  lane. 
Haste  goaded  me  behind  my  Leader  on. 
And  I  was  grieving  for  that  righteous  pain; 

When  lo !  in  manner  even  as  Luke  sets  down 

That  in  the  way  to  twain  did  Christ  appear, 
From  the  tomb's  mouth  of  late  arisen  and  gone, 

A  shade  appeared  and  came  behind  us  where 
We  were  intent  the  prostrate  crowd  to  view. 
And  spoke  to  us  before  we  were  aware. 

Saying:  "My  brothers,  peace  be  unto  you." — 
And  Virgil,  turning  with  me  suddenly. 
Gave  back  the  word  of  greeting  that  is  due. 

"May  the  true  court  in  peace  establish  thee 
In  council  of  the  blest,"  then  Virgil  said, 
"Though  to  eternal  exile  dooming  me." — 

"How?"  said  that  spirit,  while  we  onward  sped, 
"If  ye  are  shades  God  will  on  high  not  deign. 
Who  has  so  far  up  by  His  stairway  led.^^" — 

"But  note  the  marks,"  my  Teacher  said  again, 

"Which  the  Angel  traces  and  this  man  displays, 
Well  shalt  thou  see  he  with  the  good  must  reign. 

But  because  she  who  spins  through  nights  and  days 
Had  not  yet  from  the  distaff  drawn  the  twine 
That  Clotho  there  for  each,  compacting,  lays. 

The  soul  of  him,  thy  sister-soul  and  mine. 

In  coming  upward,  could  not  come  alone. 
Not  seeing  in  the  fashion  of  our  eyne. 

I,  therefore,  from  wide-throated  Hell  was  drawn 
To  show  him  the  way  onward,  and  shall  show 
As  far  as  by  my  school  it  can  be  done. 


Terrace  of  the 
Avaricious: 
forenoon  of  the 
third  day 


Purgatorio 


Iris,  the  rain- 
bow 


Dry  vapor, 
according  to 
Aristotie,  caused 
uoind,  lightning, 
thunder,  earth- 
quakes 


The  soul  desires 
its  punishment 
until  wholly 
purified  of  its 
sinful  disposi- 
tion. (See  note 
after  Canto 
xvii) 


But  tell  us  why  the  mountain,  if  thou  know. 
So  quakt  erewhile,  and  all  appeared  to  cry 
With  one  voice,  to  its  wave-washt  foot  below?^' — 

So  questioning,  he  hit  the  needle's  eye 
Of  my  desire,  and  by  the  hope  withal 
My  thirst  was  made  less  hard  to  satisfy. 

The  spirit  began:  "There  is  nothing  here  at  all 
That  were  not  subject  to  the  holy  grace 
Of  the  mountain,  or  that  were  exceptional. 

Exempt  from  i>ermutation  is  this  place; 

In  what  from  Heaven  back  to  itself  doth  flow, 
And  naught  beside,  may  we  causation  trace: 

Because  not  any  rain,  nor  hail,  nor  snow. 

Nor  dew,  nor  frost  can  fall,  or  do  offense, 
Above  the  little  triple  stairway;  no 

Clouds  there  appear,  or  rarefied  or  dense. 

No  lightning,  nor  the  daughter  of  Thaumas  fleet. 
Who  often,  yonder,  changes  residence; 

Parcht  vapor  does  not  rise  aloft  one  whit 

Beyond  the  aforesaid  triple  stairway  forth. 
Whereon  the  Vicar  of  Peter  hath  his  feet. 

More  or  less  quaking  may  perchance  have  birth 
Down  yonder;  but  up  here  it  never  could 
By  wind,  I  know  not  how,  enwombed  in  earth. 

It  quakes  when  any  spirit  feels  its  mood 
Made  pure  for  setting  forward,  or  aloof 
Moves  to  ascend,  by  such  a  cry  pursued. 

Of  purity  the  will  alone  gives  proof; 

Quite  free  for  change  of  cloister,  this  intent 
Takes  by  surprise  the  soul  to  her  behoof. 

She  first  wills  well,  but  divine  government 
Sets  will  against  desire,  which,  as  before 
It  craved  for  sinning,  craves  for  punishment. 

And  I,  who  have  five  hundred  years  and  more 

Beneath  this  torment  lain,  but  now  could  trace 
Free  will  for  threshold  of  a  better  door. 


Three  Laving  Poets  239 

Hence  didst  thou  feel  the  quake,  and  spirits  of  grace 

Didst  hear  along  the  Mountain  celebrate 

The  Lord, — ah !  may  He  send  them  up  apace." — 
He  said;  and  since  joy  is  proportionate 

In  drinking,  with  the  thirst  to  be  allayed. 

My  gain  by  him  I  could  not  say  how  great. 
"I  see  the  net  now,"  my  wise  Leader  said, 

"That  snares  you  here,  and  how  ye  are  set  free. 

Wherefore  it  quakes,  and  whereat  glad  ye  are  made. 
Now  tell  me  who  thou  wast,  I  beg  of  thee. 

And  in  thy  words  I  pray  thee  be  it  told 

Why  thou  layest  here  so  many  a  century." — 
"When  the  good  Titus  in  the  time  of  old,  Paradiso  vi, 

Helpt  by  the  King  Supreme,  avenged  each  wound  ?^rf*  ^^' 

Whence  issued  forth  the  blood  by  Judas  sold. 
With  name  most  durable  and  most  renowned  The  name  of 

I  yonder  lived,"  that  spirit  answering  said,  ^^^ 

"And  passing  fame,  but  not  yet  faith  had  found. 
So  sweet  a  music  from  my  soul  was  shed 

That  from  Toulouse  Rome  beckoned  me  away. 

Where  I  deserved  brows  myrtle-garlanded. 
There  people  call  me  Statins  to  this  day:  The  Poem  about 

Of  Thebes  I  sang,  and  great  Achilles'  might,  ^s^rSloa£^^ 

But  with  my  second  load  fell  by  the  way. 
The  seeds  that  raised  my  genius  to  its  height 

Were  sparks  from  that  celestial  flame  shot  forth, 

Whence  more  than  a  thousand  have  been  set  alight: 
The  iEneid,  I  mean,  that  mothered  me  from  birth. 

The  nurse  that  suckled  me  in  poesy; 

Without  it  were  I  not  a  drachma  worth. 
To  have  lived  when  Virgil  Hved,  would  I  agree 

To  penance  of  one  sun  more  than  I  owe. 

Ere  from  my  place  of  banishment  set  free." — 
Turned  Virgil  to  me,  he  discoursing  so. 

With  "Be  thou  silent,"  in  his  tacit  glance; 

But  there  are  hmits  to  what  will  can  do : 


240                             Purgatorio  ^ 

The  sweet  and     For  tears  and  laughter  are  such  pursuivants  ] 
"t^ZZZee'          Upon  the  passions  out  of  which  they  rise, 

Poets                        That  truest  will  has  weakest  vigilance.  < 

I  could  but  smile,  with  meaning  in  mine  eyes;  ^ 

Whereat  the  shadow  paused,  and  lookt  me  straight       j 

Into  the  eye,  where  most  expression  lies.  \ 

"So  mayst  thou  well  such  labor  consummate,^'  > 

It  said,  "tell  wherefore  I  but  now  descried 

A  laughter-flash  thy  face  irradiate?" —  : 
Now  am  I  caught  on  this  and  the  other  side : 

One  bids  "Be  still,"  and  the  other  "Speak  to  me!"  I 

Whence  I  was  comprehended  when  I  sighed.  • 
"Thou  needst,"  my  Master  said,  "not  fearful  be 

To  speak,  but  tell,  and  let  thy  words  attest  ^ 

What  he  besought  with  such  anxiety." —  j 

"O  ancient  soul,"  said  I,  "thou  marvelest  ; 

Perchance,  because  my  smile  thou  sawest  shine; 

But  I  will  move  more  wonder  in  thy  breast !  I 

This  one  who  guides  on  high  these  eyes  of  mme,  * 

That  very  Virgil  is,  from  whom  you  drew  j 

The  power  to  sing  of  men  and  the  divine.  : 
If  else  thou  thoughtest  of  my  smiling,  eschew 

That  thought  as  false;  those  words  thou  spakst       j 

but  now  ! 

Of  him,  believe  me,  were  the  reason  true." —  j 

To  kiss  my  Teacher *s  feet  he  bent  his  brow;  ] 

"Brother,"  the  Master  urged  with  tenderness,  ; 

"Do  not;  thou  seest  me  shadow,  even  as  thou." —         • 
Then  Statins  rising  said :  "Now  canst  thou  guess 

The  sum  of  love  that  burns  in  me  for  thee,  i 

AVhen  I  can  so  forget  our  emptiness. 
Treating  a  shadow  as  reality." — 


Sin  of  Statins  the  Reverse  of  Avarice       241 

XXII 

The  Three  Poets  Converse  as  They  Walk 

Behind  us  had  we  left  the  Angel  now  Third  day,  late 

Who  up  to  the  sixth  round  had  turned  our  quest,  ^ntl^ihe   *"      \ 

Having  erased  a  stigma  from  my  brow;  ^^\  Terrace:      \ 

And  had  announced  to  us  that  they  are  Blest  Staiius^wiih         I 

Who  long  for  righteousness  in  all  they  do, —  ^«w'« 

But  saying  it  with  "thirst"  without  the  rest.  P^  '^  j;f  <  qf- 

And,  lighter  than  at  other  passes  through,  xxiv                    '< 

Following  those  swift  spirits  up  above,  ] 

I  went  without  fatigue.  Then  did  renew  | 

Virgil  his  speaking:  "Worth-enkindled  love  i 
Can  kindle  in  us  love  reciprocal. 
Its  ardor  being  revealed.   In  proof  w^hereof, 

Among  us  when  descended  Juvenal  \ 

Down  into  the  Infernal  Limbo,  where  ] 

He  made  thy  feeling  known  to  me  withal,  \ 

Never  did  man  to  unseen  person  bear  \ 

More  love  than  did  my  heart  toward  thee  bend,  ] 

So  that  now  short  to  me  will  seem  the  stair.  i 

But  tell  me,  and  forgive  me  as  a  friend  i 

If  I  give  rein  to  overconfidence,  j 
And  talk  we  heart  to  heart  now  to  the  end ; 

Oh,  how  could  Avarice  find  residence  ■ 

Possibly,  in  a  bosom  such  as  thine,  \ 

Replete  with  wisdom  through  thy  diligence?" —  j 

These  words  made  Statins  at  first  incline  j 

To  smile  a  little;  then  replied  he  thus:  | 

"Each  word  of  thine  to  me  is  Love's  dear  sign.  | 

Often  indeed  do  things  appear  to  us  : 
That  offer  for  suspicion  grounds  deceiving, 

Since  their  real  causes  are  not  obvious.  \ 

Thy  question  proves  it  to  be  thy  believing  \ 

That  Greed  in  th'other  life  had  been  my  curse,  \ 

Perchance  because  of  the  round  where  I  was  griev-  ; 

ing.  ; 


242 


Purgatorio 


Among  the 
prodigals;  Inf. 
Canto  vii;  also 
for  their  sym- 
bolic short  hair 


St.  Peter,  as  at 
end  of  Par. 
xviii 


Know,  then,  that  my  offense  was  the  reverse 
Of  Avarice;  my  prodigality 
Thousands  of  courses  of  the  moon  amerce. 

And  if  I  had  not,  pondering  upon  thee, 

Set  right  my  conduct,  misdirected  first. 
Where  thou  exclaimst  against  humanity 

Almost  in  wrath:  *To  what,  accursed  thirst 

For  gold,  dost  thou  not  mortal  longing  guide?' 
I  should  be  rolling  in  the  tilts  accurst. 

Then  saw  I  that  the  hands  might  be  too  wide 
Of  wing  in  spending,  and  repented  thence 
Of  that  and  of  my  every  sin  beside. 

Because  of  ignorance  of  this  offense. 

How  many  shall  arise  devoid  of  hair. 
In  life  and  death  bereft  of  p)enitence ! 

And  know  that  sin,  in  opposition  square 
Rebutting  other  sin,  dries  up  its  green 
Together  with  the  opposing  trespass  there. 

Wherefore  if  I,  to  purge  myself,  have  been 

With  those  who  weep  their  Avarice  in  throngs, 
I  suffered  it  for  contradictory  sin." — 

"Now  when  thou  sangest  of  the  cruel  wrongs 
Of  war  that  wrought  Jocasta's  double  woe," 
The  Singer  said  of  the  Bucolic  Songs, 

"The  chords  there  toucht  with  Clio  do  not  show 
Thee  yet  as  of  that  Faith  a  devotee. 
For  want  whereof  good  works  are  not  enow. 

What  candles  or  what  sim,  if  so  it  be, 

So  pierced  thy  darkness  that  thy  sails  were  spread 
After  the  Fisher  of  the  eternal  sea.'^" — 

"Thou  first  directedst  me,"  he  answering  said, 
"Parnassus-ward,  to  drink  upon  its  height. 
Then  on  my  way  to  God  thy  light  was  shed 

Thou  diddest  like  to  him  who  walks  by  night. 
Bearing  the  torch,  not  for  his  proper  good, 
But  to  the  after-comers  giving  light. 


Virgil  the  Cause  of  Salvation  of  Statins      243  ; 

I 
When  saidest  thou:  *The  world  is  all  renewed;  The  Cumcean      ^ 

Justice  returns,  and  man's  primeval  spring,  E^gne  v>  ^ 

And  out  of  Heaven  descends  another  brood.'  • 

Poet  was  I,  then  Christian,  following 

Thy  guidance;  but  that  thou  the  better  view 

My  sketch,  I  set  my  hand  at  coloring. 
The  world  by  now  was  teeming  with  the  true 

ReHgion,  by  the  sowers  of  the  Lord  j 

Eternal,  scattered  every  country  through;  « 

And  thy  words,  toucht  upon  above,  concurred  < 

With  the  new  gospelers  in  such  a  wise  ' 

That  I  became  a  hearer  of  the  Word. 
They  came  to  seem  so  holy  in  mine  eyes 

Then,  when  Domitian  persecuted  sore,  i 

That  tears  of  mine  accompanied  their  cries;  ] 

And  while  I  lingered  upon  yonder  shore  ' 

I  succored  them,  whose  upright  manners  made 

All  other  sects  seem  worthless;  and  before  j 

I,  poetizing,  yet  the  Greeks  had  led  i 

Far  as  the  Theban  streams,  baptized  was  I; 

But  hid  my  Christian  faith,  because  afraid,  ,' 

Long  while  appearing  Pagan  outwardly;  ,! 

And  for  that  lukewarmth  did  I  circling  fare  ' 

The  fourth  round  more  than  the  fourth  century. 
Do  therefore  thou,  who  unto  me  laid  bare  ' 

That  good  wherein,  I  say,  is  great  reward,  ] 

While  for  ascending  time  is  yet  to  spare. 
Tell  me  where  Terence  is,  our  elder  bard, 

Cecilius,  Plautus,  Varro,  if  thou  know:  ■ 

Tell  if  they  are  condemned,  and  in  what  ward." —  j 

"These,  Persius,  and  I,  and  many  moe," 

My  Leader  said,  "are  with  that  Greek  confined, 

Prime  nursling  of  the  Muses,  there  below 
In  the  first  girdle  of  the  prison  blind.  { 

Still  oftentimes  do  we  discourse  upon  1 

The  mountain,  haunt  of  nurses  of  our  mind. 


S44 


Purgatorio 


The  fifth  Hour 
is  now  driving 
the  chariot  of 
the  Sun:  it  is 
about  11  o'clock 


The  emblematic 
fruitr-tree  which 
the  gluttons  can- 
not climb 


Euripides  is  ours  there,  Antiphon, 

And  Agathon,  Simonides,  and  more 

Of  Greeks  whose  foreheads  once  the  laurel  won. 

There  see  we  people  sung  by  thee  of  yore, 
Antigone,  Deiphile,  Argeia, 
And  there  Ismene,  mournful  evermore. 

There  see  we  her  who  pointed  out  Langeia; 
There  is  Tiresias'  daughter,  Thetis  there. 
And  with  her  sisters  there  Deidameia." — 

By  this  time  silent  both  the  poets  were. 

Eager  to  gaze  about  them  far  and  wide. 
From  the  walls  liberated,  and  the  stair; 

And  four  of  the  Day's  handmaids  now  abide 
Behind,  the  fifth  still  pointing  up  the  bright 
Horn  of  the  chariot-pole;  whereon  my  Guide: 

"Methinks  it  now  behooves  us  turn  the  right 
Shoulder  toward  the  outer  verge,  intent 
To  round,  as  we  are  wont  to  do,  the  height." — 

By  custom  in  such  manner  led,  we  went 

Our  way  with  the  less  fear  of  going  wrong. 
Because  that  noble  spirit  gave  assent. 

In  front  they,  and  alone  went  I  along 

Behind,  hearing  their  words,  which  gave  to  me 
Intelligence  about  the  craft  of  song. 

But  their  kind  talk  was  broken  by  a  tree 

That  midway  in  the  road  we  encountered  now. 
With  fruitage  smelling  sweet  and  gratefully. 

As  fir-tree  tapers  upward,  bough  on  bough. 
So  this  one  appeared  downward  tapering, 
Methinks  that  none  thereon  might  climbing  go. 

There  where  our  way  was  closed,  a  water  spring 
Down  from  the  lofty  cHff  was  falling  clear. 
And  on  the  upper  foliage  scattering. 

The  poets  twain  unto  the  tree  drew  near, 

\Miereon  a  voice  cried  out  the  branches  through: 
"Dearth  of  this  viand  ye  shall  have  to  bear." — 


Examples  of  Abstemious  Living  245 

"Mary  was  more  concerned,"  it  said  anew, 

"To  grace  the  wedding  feast  with  plenitude, 
Than  for  her  mouth  which  now  entreats  for  you. 

Of  water  the  old  Roman  womanhood 

Were  satisfied  to  drink;  and  Daniel  nurst 
Wisdom  within  him  by  despising  food. 

Golden  in  beauty  was  the  world  at  first; 
To  appetite  it  made  the  acorn  sweet. 
And  every  brook  like  nectar  to  the  thirst. 

Honey  and  locusts  were  the  only  meat 

That  John  the  Baptist  in  the  desert  knew; 
Whence  now  he  is  in  glory,  and  so  great 

As  by  the  Gospel  is  revealed  to  you." — 


U6 


Purgatorio 


Terrace  of  the 
gluttonous: 
about  noon  of 
the  third  day 


This  phrase  of 
the  Miserere 
(Psalm  li,  15) 
is  appropriate 
to  those  whose 
sin  has  been  in- 
temperance in 
food  and  drink 


The  dreadful 
tale  is  told  by 
Josephus 

The  Latin  for 
man  is  printed 
on  the  human 


XXIII 
Dante  Meets  an  Old  Boon  Companion 

Because  these  eyes  of  mine  yet  never  stirred 
From  the  green  foHage,  Hke  such  an  one 
As  wastes  his  Hfe  to  hunt  the  Httle  bird, 

My  more  than  Father  said  to  me:  "My  son. 

Come  on  now;  for  the  time  assigned  had  need 
To  be  allotted  for  more  benison." — 

Then  turned  I  face  and  foot  with  equal  speed 
After  those  speakers  sage,  so  eloquent 
As  made  it  cost  me  nothing  to  proceed. 

And  hark!  now  singing  heard,  with  weeping  blent: 
"Lord,  open  thou  my  lips!" — Such  intonation 
As  must  beget  both  rapture  and  lament. 

"What  hear  I,  Father?"  was  my  exclamation; 

And  he :  "Shades  who  are  hastening,  perchance. 
So  as  to  cancel  out  their  obligation." — 

As  pilgrims  rapt  in  thought,  by  travel-chance 
Meeting  an  unknown  face  along  their  ways, 
Cast,  without  lingering,  a  backward  glance, 

So  came  behind  us  at  a  swifter  pace 

And  passed,  a  crowd  of  souls  as  if  in  flight. 
Devout  and  tacit  and  of  eager  gaze. 

The  cavern  of  the  eye  disclosed  no  light, 
Pallid  each  visage,  and  so  hunger-pined 
Over  the  bone  the  skin  was  fashioned  tight. 

I  cannot  think  that  such  an  utter  rind 
Was  dried  on  Erisichthon's  skeleton 
By  fasting,  when  it  most  appalled  his  mind. 

"Behold !"  my  thoughts  within  were  running  on, 
"This  is  the  folk  who  lost  Jerusalem, 
When  Mary  struck  her  beak  into  her  son." — 

Each  eyepit  seemed  a  ring  without  the  gem : 

Who  OMO  reads  in  face  of  man,  might  well 
Here  in  each  countenance  make  out  the  M. 


Forese  Donati 


247 


Who  ever  could  believe  that  from  the  smell 
Of  apples  or  of  water  there  could  grow 
Such  craving,  knowing  not  how  this  befell? 

I  still  was  wondering  what  pined  them  so. 
The  cause  that  rendered  them  so  scurvily 
Withered  and  meager  being  yet  to  know. 

When,  look  now,  from  its  deep  skull  cavity 
A  spirit  made  its  eye  upon  me  keen. 
Then  cried  aloud:  "What  grace  is  this  to  me!" 

Never  should  I  have  known  him  by  his  mien. 
But  something  lingered  in  his  utterance 
That  in  his  lineament  had  canceled  been. 

This  spark  enkindled  to  my  inward  glance 
Something  familiar  in  his  altered  look. 
And  I  recalled  Foresees  countenance. 

"Ah,  do  not  mind,"  he  prayed,  "the  scurf  that  took 
The  fresh  complexion  of  my  skin  away. 
Nor  yet  the  lack  of  flesh  I  have  to  brook. 

But  tell  me  truth  of  thee,  and  who  are  they. 

Yon  spirits  twain  by  whom  thou'rt  hither  led? 
Ah,  tarry  not,  speak,  speak  to  me,  I  pray !" — 

"Thy  face,  bewept  by  me  when  thou  wast  dead, 
Gives  me  for  weeping  now  no  lesser  rue 
Beholding  it  disfigured  so,"  I  said. 

"By  hope  of  Heaven,  then  tell  what  withers  you: 
Bid  me  not  speak  while  marveHng,  for  ill 
One  speaks,  by  other  craving  stricken  through !" — 

And  he  to  me:  "By  the  Eternal  Will 

Falls  virtue  to  the  water  and  the  plant 
Behind  us,  that  emaciates  me  still. 

All  of  these  people  who  lamenting  chant. 
For  being  out  of  measure  gluttonous. 
Grow  holy  here  through  thirst  and  hunger  gaunt. 

Craving  for  food  and  drink  is  stirred  in  us 

By  fragrance  from  the  fruit,  and  from  the  spray 
That  sprinkles  over  all  the  verdure  thus. 


face.    The  limbs 
of  the  M  are 
clearer  for  the 
disappearance 
of  the  eyes  (cf. 
Par.  xviii) 


Cf.  Virgil's 
reference  to  this 
shadovyy   "Jlesh" 
of  the  spirits. 
Canto  Hi,  31- 
33.  Also  the 
recognition  of 
Ser  BrunettOf 
Inf.  XV 


248  Purgatorio 

And  not  once,  as  we  circle  round  this  way, 
But  many  times  our  penance  is  renewed. 
Penance  I  say,  who  solace  ought  to  say: 
For  to  the  tree  that  same  solicitude 

Leads  us,  that  prompted  the  glad  Christ  to  cry 
*Eli,'  when  he  redeemed  us  with  His  blood." — 
"Not  yet  five  years  from  that  day  forth,"  said  I, 
"When  for  a  better  world  thou  tookest  flight, 
Forese  mine,  have  imtil  now  rolled  by. 
If  you  repented  If  sooner  ended  were  in  thee  the  might 
only  when  too  qj  ginning,  than  the  hour  had  supervened 

weak  to  sin  .  . 

more.   See  That  weds  again  to  God  the  heart  contrite, 

f/Sto.         ^^^  *^^^  ^^*  ^^^^  arrived  up  hither,  friend? 
Canto  to  I  thought  to  find  thee  on  the  slope  below. 

Where  time  doth  dissipated  time  amend." — 
"My  Nella,  with  her  tears  that  overflow. 

Hath  brought  me,"  he  repUed,  "so  speedily 
To  drink  of  the  sweet  wormwood  of  this  woe. 
The  stormy  voice  With  pious  prayers  and  tears  withdrawing  me 
^^  o^hJ^s^eaks  ^P  ^^^^  ^^^  hillside  where  the  people  wait, 

through  Forese  And  from  the  other  circles  setting  free. 

Dearer  to  Grod,  and  of  more  estimate. 

My  widow  whom  so  well  I  loved,  as  there 
She  more  alone  to  good  is  dedicate. 
More  modest  in  its  dames  beyond  compare 
Is  the  Barbagia  of  Sardinia, 
Than  the  Barbagia  where  I  left  her. 
O  brother  dear,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  say? 
My  foresight  by  a  future  is  possest, 
When  not  yet  very  old  shall  be  this  day, 
When  warning  from  the  pulpit  is  addrest 
To  the  unblushing  women  Florentine, 
Who  go  about  displaying  paps  and  breast. 
What  Pagan  women,  aye,  or  Saracen, 

Have  stood  in  need,  to  make  them  covered  go, 
Of  spiritual  or  other  discipline? 


The  Mount  That  Straightens  Crooked  Sticks    249 

But  if  these  unabashed  ones  did  but  know 

What  holds  in  store  for  them  the  hastening  sky. 
For  howling  would  their  jaws  be  open  now; 

For  if  herein  my  foresight  do  not  lie. 

They  will  be  sad  ere  yet  his  cheek  have  down 
Who  now  is  quieted  with  lullaby. 

Now  brother,  pray,  be  more  concealment  none: 
Look,  not  I  only,  but  these  people  all 
Are  gazing  there  where  veilest  thou  the  sun." — 

Whence  I  to  him :  "If  thou  to  mind  recall 
What  once  to  one  another  were  we  two. 
The  present  memory  will  yet  appall. 

That  one  who  goes  in  front  of  me  withdrew 

Me  from  that  life  the  other  day,  when  round 
The  sister  of  him  yonder  appeared  to  you 

(I  pointed  to  the  sun).   Through  the  profound 
Midnight  he  led  me  from  the  dead  apart. 
With  this  real  flesh  that  after  him  is  bound. 

Thence  having  drawn  me,  comforts  he  my  heart 
To  circle  up  the  Mountain,  that  again 
Straightens  you  whom  the  world  had  wrencht 
athwart. 

He  speaks  of  going  with  me  until  when 

I  shall  be  there  where  will  be  Beatrice; 
Without  him  there  must  I  perforce  remain. 

He  Virgil  is  who  sayeth  to  me  this 

(And  him  I  showed) ;  that  other  shadow,  know. 
Is  he  for  whom  shook  every  precipice 

Recently,  when  your  Kingdom  let  him  go.'' — 


250  Purgatorio 

XXIV 

1 

Cheerful  Abstainers  from  Good  Cheer  ^ 

I 

Third  day:         Neither  for  talking  did  we  lag  behind,  i 

T^LfTthT           Nor  lagged  our  talk,  but  stoutly  on  we  went,  | 

Intemperate                 Like  vessel  urged  along  by  favoring  wind.  ] 

And  shades  that  seemed  by  double  death  forspent,  ; 
Beholding  me  alive,  were  all  betraying 

Deep  in  their  eyepits  their  astonishment.  \ 

We  shall  nwet      j^  going  on  with  what  I  had  been  saying,  ] 

en  of  the  Moon          Said :  "Perad venture  he  doth  upward  go,  ', 
(Par,  ttt)                    Pqj.  jgake  of  some  one  else,  with  more  delaying. 
But  tell,  where  is  Piccarda,  if  thou  know; 

And  mention  any  in  this  multitude  ] 

Of  note,  among  those  gazing  at  me  so.^' — 

'^^^J^^Jd      "^^  sister, — if  most  beautiful  or  good  • 

Longfellow's                I  know  not, — in  her  crown  is  triumphing  i 

notes  on  this               On  high  Olympus  in  beatitude." —  ] 

lovely  canto  ^  •  i  ^        n  ^  «-».t      I.      1  •  1  1  1  . 

DO  said  he  first,  then :  "No  forbidden  thing  ; 
Is  giving  names  here,  so  obliterate 

Is  our  resemblance  by  the  dieting.  ^ 

This,"  pointed  he,  "is  Bonagiunta,  late  j 

Bonagiunta  of  Lucca;  and  farther  out,  i 

That  face  more  than  the  rest  emaciate,  1 

Once  put  his  arms  the  Holy  Church  about;  i 
He  was  from  Tours,  and  atones  the  Vernage  wine 

And  Lake  Bolsena's  eels,  by  doing  without."  ! 

And  many  another  name  did  he  assign;  ! 

And  all  seemed  pleased,  for  not  one  somber  look, 

Despite  the  naming,  saw  these  eyes  of  mine.  : 

^L  •   u    -r         There  saw  I  bite  the  void  and  hunger  brook  \ 

This  Boniface  tti     i  t        <»  t      t»m  i  t»      •«. 

was  an  arch-              Ubaldm  of  La  Pila,  and  Boniface  \ 

bishop  of  Ra-             ^yYho  shepherded  much  people  with  his  crook.  i 

venna, — not,  of                                t.                    ^         e    ^     ^  \ 

course,  to  he  con-  I  saw  Lord  Marquess  who  of  old  had  space  \ 

^Po^  r^o/<m              ^^^  drinking  with  less  dryness  at  Forli,  j 

mentioned                   With  CTEving  still  unsated  ne*ertheless.  ■ 


Secret  of  Dante^s  Art 


251 


But  as  he  does  who  scans  selectingly, 

So  did  my  choice  on  him  of  Lucca  fall. 

Who  seemed  most  eager  to  have  speech  with  me. 

I  heard  him  murmur,  what  I  know  not  all. 

About  Gentucca,  where  he  most  was  wrung 
By  Justice  that  so  withers  them  withal. 

"O  soul,^'  said  I,  "that  seemest  so  to  long 

To  speak  with  me,  give  pleasure  to  my  ears 
And  to  thy  heart  by  loosening  thy  tongue." — 

"A  maid  is  born,  nor  yet  the  wimple  wears. 

Who  shall  make  pleasant  to  thee,''  did  he  say, 
"My  city,  whatsoever  blame  it  bears. 

With  this  my  presage  shalt  thou  go  thy  way; 
And  did  my  murmur  error  in  thee  move. 
Facts  will  explain  it  at  some  future  day. 

But  tell  me,  do  I  speak  with  him  who  wove 
The  rimes  in  the  new  manner,  that  begin, 
*Ladies  who  have  intelligence  of  love*?" — 

"I  am  of  those  who,  when  Love  breathes  within. 
Take  note,"  I  answered,  "and  shape  heedfuUy 
My  cadences  to  those  he  dictates  in." — 

"O  brother  mine,"  exclaimed  he,  "now  I  see 

What  bar  held  back  from  the  sweet  manner  new 
Guittone,  and  the  Notary,  and  me. 

I  see  distinctly  how  your  pens  pursue 

The  one  who  dictates,  following  his  bent; 
The  which  was  certainly  of  ours  untrue. 

And  who  most  looks  to  find  them  different, 

Can  naught  else  trace  'twixt  one  and  the  other 

style;" — 
And  holding  here  his  peace,  he  seemed  content. 

Even  as  the  birds  that  winter  by  the  Nile 

Go  flocking  through  the  welkin  now,  then  fly 
With  quicker  wing  that  they  may  go  in  file, 

Thus  all  that  multitude  of  people  I 

Saw  turn  their  faces,  while  their  steps  they  pressed. 
And,  light  by  will  and  leanness,  hastened  by. 


In  his  throat 


Referring   prob- 
ably to  a  lady 
named  Gen- 
tucca, who  had 
shovm  some 
kindness  to  the 
Poet  in  his  exile 


A  canzone  of 
Dante's  ^New 
Lifer  toell  trans- 
lated by  Rossetti 


Because  we  did 
noty  like  you, 
pen  the  dictates 
of  the  heart.  Gf. 
the  conversation 
toith  Oderisi, 
Canto  xi 


252 


Purgatorio 


Prophecy  of  the 
violent  death  of 
his  brother  J  Hie 
famous  Corso 
Donaii 


And,  as  a  weary  runner  lets  the  rest 

Of  his  companions  go,  that  he  may  walk 
Until  abate  the  panting  of  his  chest. 

So  did  Forese  let  the  holy  flock 

Pass  by,  and,  pausing  with  me,  said:  "When  more 
May  we  thus  face  to  face  together  talk?** — 

"I  know  not,'^  said  I,  "when  my  life  is  o'er, 
Though  not  so  speedily  can  I  arrive 
But  that  my  heart  is  sooner  on  the  shore; 

Because  the  place  where  I  was  made  alive. 

More  stript  of  good  from  day  to  day,  I  wiss. 
To  utter  ruin  is  foredoomed  to  drive." — 

"Take  heart;  I  see  him  most  to  blame  for  this 
Dragged  at  a  horse's  tail  along,"  said  he, 
"Toward  the  never  pardoning  abyss. 

At  each  bound  goes  the  beast  more  rapidly. 
Ever  increasing,  till  it  strikes  amain 
The  body,  and  leaves  it  mangled  hideously. 

Not  often  shall  those  wheels  revolve  again," 

He  raised  his  eyes  to  heaven,  "ere  is  made  clear 
To  thee,  that  which  my  words  cannot  explain. 

Now  stay  behind,  because  the  time  so  dear 
Is  in  this  kingdom,  that  too  much  I  lose 
Going  at  even  pace  thus  with  thee  here." — 

As  sometimes  cavalier  at  gallop  goes 

Forth  from  a  troop  of  horse,  to  make  his  worth 
Renowned  by  first  encounter  with  the  foes. 

So  he  with  longer  strides  departed  forth; 

And  I  remained  there  with  those  two  behind. 
Who  were  such  mighty  marshals  here  on  earth. 

And  when  he  had  passed  on  so  far  that  blind 
To  follow  him  mine  eyes  grew,  as,  I  trow, 
To  follow  on  his  words  had  been  my  mind. 

Appeared,  with  many  a  laden  and  living  bough. 
Another  tree,  not  very  far  away. 
Because  my  road  curved  round  on  it  but  now. 


Warnings  against  Self-indulgence          253  ■ 

Beneath  were  folk  with  lifted  hands,  and  they  I 

Cried  out  toward  the  leaves,  I  know  not  what,  3 

Like  fond  and  eager  little  ones  who  pray,  j 

And  that  one  whom  they  pray  to  answers  not,  ' 

But  holds  aloft  and  does  not  hide  their  boon,  ] 

That  it  may  be  more  longingly  besought.  i 

Then,  as  if  disappointed,  they  were  gone:  ] 

So  reacht  we  the  great  tree  that  doth  deny  i 

So  many  a  tear  and  many  an  orison.  \ 

"Go  your  way  onward  without  drawing  nigh;  ] 

The  tree  is  higher  up  whence  Eve  devoured  j 

The  fruit,  and  whence  this  plant  was  reared  on  ] 
high."— 

Thus  spoke  some  one  amid  the  fronds  embowered; 

Whence  Virgil,  Statins,  and  I,  close  pressed  j 

Together,  moved  along  the  cliff  that  towered.  | 

"Recall  those  cloud-begotten  ones  unblest.  The  Centaurs 

Who  being  drunken,'^  so  it  re-began,  ^^^  ^^-  ^*)   \ 

"Strove  against  Theseus  with  their  double  breast; 

Those  Jews  the  draught  proved  weaklings,  man  for  man.  Judges  mi,  4.-7    ] 
Whence  Gideon  did  their  company  disdain. 

When  he  went  down  the  hills  tow'rd  Midian." —  ] 

Hugging  the  inner  of  the  margins  twain,  \ 

Concerning  sins  of  appetite  we  heard,  ; 
Followed  of  old  by  miserable  gain. 

Then,  to  a  solitary  path  transferred,                                           '  j 

A  thousand  steps  and  more  had  each  of  us  j 

Wandered  immerst  in  thought  without  a  word.  ! 

"Ye  three  alone,  what  go  ye  thinking  thus?" —  " 

I  started  when  a  sudden  voice  so  said,  ] 

As  starts  from  rest  a  creature  timorous.  J 

To  see  who  this  might  be,  I  raised  my  head;  ; 

And  never  yet  in  furnace  was  the  hue  i 

Of  glass  or  metal  such  a  glowing  red,  • 

As  one  I  saw  who  spoke:  "So  please  it  you  : 

To  mount  aloft,  here  must  ye  turn  aside:  \ 

This  way  goes  he  who  would  his  peace  pursue." —  ] 


254                              Purgatorio  i 

j 

To  look  on  him  was  sight  to  me  denied:  J 

Whence  turned  I  in  my  Teacher's  steps  to  fare,  ; 

Like  one  who  goes  with  hearing  for  his  guide. 
And  as,  from  herbs  and  flowers,  the  harbinger 

Of  early  dawn,  the  zephyr  of  the  May  i 

Steals  odors  that  make  balmy  all  the  air. 
Even  such  a  breeze  I  felt  directly  play 

Upon  my  brow,  and  felt  myself  caressed  ] 

By  plumage  breathing  of  ambrosia.  ] 

And  heard  proclaimed  thereafter:  "They  are  blest  ^ 

Whom  Grace  so  much  illumes,  that  appetite  ' 

Kindles  not  overmuch  within  their  breast. 

Hungering  ever  in  accord  with  right." —  \ 


How  Can  Shades  Pine  for  Food?  ^55 

XXV 

The  Mental  Physiology  of  the  Shades 

Now  since  the  Sun  had  left  the  circle  of  noon  Third  day: 

To  Taurus,  and  the  Night  to  Scorpio,  mid-afternoon. 

__  -  -    -  '^    ,         11.!  Ascent  to  the  ] 

Henceforward  the  ascent  brookt  hmdrance  none.     Seventh  Terrace,    \ 

Wherefore,  as  people  on  their  journey  go  '^/^^  theh^  of     • 

And  tarry  not,  whate'er  beholding,  while  aioay  I 

The  spur  of  need  is  urgent  on  them;  so  j 

Now  one  by  one  we  entered  the  defile,  j 

Taking  the  stairway  where  the  narrow  lane  j 

Compels  the  climbers  to  go  single  file. 
And,  like  the  little  stork,  for  flying  fain,  '. 

Lifting  its  wing,  and,  daring  not  to  fly  I 

From  off  the  nest,  letting  it  droop  again; 
Such,  with  desire  kindled  and  quencht,  was  I, 

And  nothing  further  than  the  movement  made 

That  will  to  speak  is  indicated  by. 
"Do  thou  discharge" — my  gentle  Father  said. 

Forbearing  not,  although  we  swiftly  went, 

"The  bow  of  speech  bent  to  the  arrowhead." — 
Then  opened  I  my  mouth,  made  confident. 

Beginning:  "How  can  there  be  withering 

Of  bodies  with  no  need  of  nourishment.'^" — 
"Wouldst  Meleager's  plight  to  memory  bring. 

How  by  a  wasting  brand  he  wasted  was. 

This  would  not  seem,"  said  he,  "so  hard  a  thing; 
And  wouldst  thou  call  to  mind  how  in  the  glass 

Tremble  your  forms  whenever  tremble  ye. 


What  seems  hard  would  seem  lightly  brought  to  | 

pass;  ; 

But  that  thy  will  be  satined  in  thee, 

Lo !  here  is  Statins,  whom  I  call  and  pray  ^ 

That  of  thy  wounds  he  now  the  healer  be." —  ^ 

"If  here  where  thou  art  present  I  display 

The  eternal  view,"  responded  Statins,  I 

"Be  my  excuse  I  cannot  say  thee  nay. —  I 


256                              Purgatorio  t 

Son,  if  thou  well  receive,^ — began  he  thus,  i 

"And  if  thy  mind  consider  this  my  word,  i 

'Twill  make  the  *How'  thou  askest,  luminous.  i 

Ne'er  drunk  up  by  the  thirsty  veins,  but  stored  \ 

The  purest  essence  of  the  blood  remains,  *■ 

Like  viands  that  thou  takest  from  the  board;  ■ 

And  power  informing  in  the  heart  obtains 

To  shape  all  human  organs,  being  that  flood  ; 

Which,  to  become  them,  courses  through  the  veins ;  ■ 

Digested  still,  descends  where  it  is  good  \ 

To  leave  unsaid;  thereafter  trickles  thence 

In  natural  vessel  on  another's  blood,  i 

The  blood  of  the  Where  both  together  have  their  confluence. 

bf^ite'^'^atlf          Passive  is  one,— but  the  other  active,  through  < 

the  female.  The  j>erfect  place  whence  p)ours  its  influence, 

passive               Begins  to  operate  when  joined  thereto,  I 

Coagulating,  quickening  the  whole  I 

That  it  for  shaping  to  consistence  drew.  \ 

The  vegetative      This  active  principle,  become  a  soul 

Ti^Xltt          As  of  a  plant  (but  so  far  different  i 

only  an  incident  That  it  halfway  and  that  is  at  the  goal), 

tJ^^'"'"^  Begins  to  move  and  to  be  sentient  ' 

embryo  Like  the  sea  fungus,  then  to  organize 

The  powers  whereof  it  is  the  rudiment,  [ 

Dilates,  my  son,  and  spreads  the  force  that  lies  ! 

Within  the  heart  of  the  begetter  now, 

Wliere  Nature  would  the  organs  all  devise. 

But  how  grow  child  from  animal  .^^ — ^That  'How'  ; 

Seest  thou  not  yet;  that  is  the  problem  great  ! 

Which  once  misled  a  wiser  man  than  thou,  ^ 

Averroes  Who  by  his  teaching  thought  to  separate 

Soul  from  potential  intellect,  for  no  < 

Organ  he  saw  thereto  appropriate. 

The  Prime         Open  thy  breast  to  coming  truth,  and  know  ; 

Mover  (God)              That  when  the  organizing  of  the  brain  i 

breaihes  a  sotu              tx      i                      i        i  •       i            i  ' 

into  the  embryo           Has  been  completed  m  the  embryo,  \ 


The  Shade  an  Emanation  from  the  Will     257  ^ 

I 

Toward  it  turns  the  Primal  Motor  then,  ^ 

By  Nature's  so  great  art  made  debonair,  i 

Breathing  new  spirit  full  of  power  to  drain  I 

Whatever  virtue  it  finds  active  there  ! 
Into  its  substance,  and  one  soul  there  grows. 

Living,  and  feeUng,  and  of  itself  aware.  \ 

To  make  less  marvelous  what  I  disclose,  ^ 

Consider  how  the  Sun*s  heat  becomes  wine,  ; 
Joined  to  the  juice  that  from  the  vine  outflows. 

This  soul  from  out  the  flesh  doth  disentwine 

Whenever  Lachesis  hath  thread  no  more,  \ 

And  latent  bears  the  human  and  divine:  \ 

So  voiceless  each  and  every  other  power.  The  faculties  of 

But  will  and  memory  and  intelligence                         '^^  ^"^  i 

Far  keener  in  their  working  than  before.  i 

Incontinent  the  spirit  falls  propense  ! 

To  one  or  the  other  shore  in  wondrous  wise,  j 

And  first  takes  knowledge  of  its  pathway  thence.  ] 

Soon  as  the  region  round  about  it  lies. 

Virtue  informative  beams  round  it  there. 

As  in  the  Uving  limbs  in  shape  and  size.  i 

And  as,  when  saturate  with  rain,  the  air 

By  the  refraction  of  the  solar  rays  i 

Is  deckt  with  variegated  colors  fair,  \ 

Even  so  upon  the  circumjacent  haze 

A  wraithlike  form  is  printed  by  control  j 

Of  shaping  soul  that  in  the  region  stays;  ' 

And  as  the  flamelet*s  little  aureole  i 

Follows  the  fire  upon  its  shifting  flight,  \ 

So  its  new  form  accompanies  the  soul.  ^ 

Because  thus  rendered  visible,  the  sprite  ^ 

Is  called  a  shade;  and  organs  of  each  sense  ] 

Fashions  thereafter,  even  to  that  of  sight.  \ 

So  thence  proceed  our  words,  our  laughter  thence. 

Thence  do  we  fashion  forth  the  tears  and  sighs  j 

Whereof  the  Mount  may  give  thee  evidence.  \ 


258 


Purgatorio 


First  iDorda  of  a 
hymn  contain- 
ing a  prayer  for 
purity 


Words  of  Mary 
to  the  Angel, 
Luke  i,  3Ik 

Ovid,  Met.  ii. 
Cf.  Par.  xxxi, 
32-33 


According  as  desires  within  us  rise 

Or  feeling,  takes  the  shade  configurement: 
And  this  is  what  occasions  thy  surprise." — 

Now  were  we  come  to  the  last  punishment, 

And  now  toward  the  right-hand  were  we  starting. 
And  were  upon  another  care  intent. 

There  from  the  cliffside  arrowy  flames  are  darting. 
And  from  the  shelf  breathes  up  a  blast  thereon, 
Hurling  them  back,  a  pathway  thus  disparting; 

Whence  it  was  needful  to  go  one  by  one 
On  the  open  side,  so  that  I  felt  dismay 
Of  burning  there,  and  here  of  falling  down. 

"To  rein  the  eyes  tight  up,  along  this  way," 

My  Leader  said,  "must  now  be  our  concern, 
Because  for  little  one  might  go  astray." — 

Then  from  among  those  flames  that  hotly  burn. 
Came  singing:  "God  of  clemency  supreme!" — 
Which  filled  me  with  no  less  desire  to  turn; 

Then  saw  I  spirits  walking  through  the  flame: 
Wherefore  apportioning  my  sight  I  go, 
Now  looking  to  my  steps,  and  now  at  them. 

They  cried  aloud:  "A  man  I  do  not  know!" — 
As  soon  as  they  had  to  the  end  pursued 
That  hymn;  then  recommenced,  with  voices  low. 

This  done,  anew  they  shouted:  "In  the  wood 
Diana  stayed  and  banished  Helice, 
For  Venus  had  deflowered  her  maidenhood." — 

Then  recommenced  the  song;  then  would  it  be 

The  praise  of  wives  and  husbands  who  were  pure. 
As  virtue  bids,  and  married  chastity. 

And  in  like  mode,  methinks,  they  must  endure 
The  while  they  burn  within  the  fiery  blast: 
With  diet  such  as  this,  with  such  a  cure. 

The  wound  of  sin  must  be  healed  up  at  last. 


Dante's  Shadow  Amazes  the  Shades        259  j 

XXVI 

Dante  Meets  Two  Modern  Predecessors  J 

While,  one  before  the  other,  thus  we  paced  Terrace  of  the 

The  border,  often  the  good  Master  said:  ^^^^       \ 

"Take  heed;  let  not  my  warning  go  to  wasted —       afternoon  l 

Smote  me  the  Sun  on  the  right  shoulder-blade,  \ 

Now  gUttering  throughout  the  Occident 

And  whitening  the  azure;  and  I  made  , 
The  flame  seem  ruddier  where  with  it  blent 

My  shadow;  and  of  such  a  token  I 

Saw  many  a  shade  take  notice,  as  they  went. 
Such  an  occasion  did  they  profit  by  Not  the  mere         1 

For  speech  of  me;  and  they  began  to  say:  tcZ^'Z'^     i 

"His  body  seems  the  fiction  to  belie." —  ' 

Then  certain  of  them,  far  as  in  them  lay,  • 

Were  making  tow*rd  me,  always  with  concern  • 

Never  to  issue  from  the  fiery  way. 

"O  pilgrim,  who  no  less,  perchance,  dost  yearn  'I 

To  go,  though  reverent  the  rest  behind,  { 

Answer  me,  for  in  thirst  and  fire  I  burn: 

Nor  but  to  me  be  thy  reply  confined;  j 

For  greater  thirst  for  it  must  these  beset,  \ 

Than  for  cold  water  Ethiope  or  Ind.  1 

Tell  us  how  formest  thou  a  barrier  yet  i 

Against  the  Sun,  as  if  thou  haddest  not  . 

There  entered  where  the  toils  of  Death  benet?** —  i 

So  hailed  me  one  of  them;  and  I,  no  doubt,  . 

Had  made  me  known,  but  that  I  was  intent  | 

Upon  a  novel  thing  that  came  about:  ] 
For,  midway  through  the  burning  element. 

Facing  this  company,  a  people  hied  ; 

Who  made  me  stop  to  gaze  for  wonderment.  \ 

I  saw  there  hasten  up  from  either  side  \ 

Each  shade  to  kiss  a  shade,  for  dalliance  ] 

Unresting,  with  brief  greeting  satisfied. 


260  Purgatorio  \ 

So  pausing,  as  their  dusky  troops  advance,  j 

Emmet  encounters  emmet,  nose  to  nose,  \ 
Their  road  and  fortune  to  espy,  perchance. 

No  sooner  does  the  friendly  greeting  close, 

Or  ever  the  first  footstep  passes  by,  ] 

Strive  these  to  lift  up  louder  cries  than  those:  « 

"Sodom  and  Gomorrah!"  the  newcomers  cry;  ; 

Thejalsavacca"  The  rest:  "Pasiphae  enters  the  cow,  j 

of  Inf.  xii,  13  g^  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^  ^^^  j^gj.  i^g^.  j^^y  \,{Qr—  \ 

As  cranes  to  the  Riphaean  mountain  brow  ! 

Might  fly  in  part,  part  to  the  sandy  plain,  ] 

These  shunning  frost  and  those  the  sun,  so  now  \ 

One  people  goes  and  one  comes  on  amain,  ] 

And  weeping  they  return  to  their  first  chants  ' 

And  to  their  more  appropriate  refrain;  ; 

And  close  about  me  as  before  advance 

The  very  same  who  had  entreated  me,  ■ 

With  will  to  listen  in  their  countenance.  j 

I,  who  now  twice  had  seen  their  urgency,  \ 

Began  to  speak:  "O  spirit  brotherhood  | 

Secure  of  peace,  whenever  it  may  be,  , 

These  limbs  of  mine,  neither  mature  nor  crude, 

Left  I  down  yonder  on  the  earth  behind,  1 
But  bring  them  here  with  all  their  joints  and  blood. 

I  go  hence  up  to  be  no  longer  bhnd :  1 

A  Lady  is  on  high  who  wins  us  grace  ' 

Whence  through  your  world  I  bring  my  mortal  rind.  \ 

But  so  may  be  your  fond  desire  apace  ; 
Fulfilled,  so  harbor  you  the  heavenly  height 

Most  ample,  which  is  Love's  full  dwelling  place,  i 

Tell  me,  that  yet  on  paper  I  may  write,  | 
Who  may  ye  be  and  what  that  multitude 

Behind  your  backs,  and  going  opposite?" —  \ 

More  stupefied,  of  more  bewildered  mood,  \ 
Is  never  the  hill  peasant,  if  perchance 
He  enter  town  in  rustic  garb  and  rude. 


Cleansing  from  Secret  Sin 


261 


Than  every  shade  became  in  countenance; 

But  when  they  did  their  wonder  well  restrain 
(Which  in  high  heart  has  brief  predominance). 

That  one  who  questioned  first,  began  again : 

"Blest  thou  who,  that  the  better  thou  mayst  die, 
Winnest  exi>erience  of  our  domain ! 

That  people  who  went  hence,  offended  by 

That  wherefore  Caesar  suffered  once  the  blame 
When  *Queen!'  amidst  his  triumph  rose  the  cry; 

Whence  in  their  parting  from  us,  they  exclaim 
*Sodom  !*  as  thou  hast  heard,  in  self -despite. 
And  make  the  burning  hotter  with  their  shame. 

Our  own  transgression  was  hermaphrodite; 
But  since  we  heeded  not  the  human  code. 
Following  like  the  brutes  our  appetite. 

Departing,  we,  in  self -reproachful  mode. 

Ourselves  pronounce  the  name  of  her  who  so 
Did  bestialize  herself  in  beastlike  wood. 

Our  deeds  now,  how  far  guilty,  knowest  thou : 

Wouldst  thou,  perchance,  by  name  know  who  we  be. 
There  is  no  time  to  tell,  nor  should  I  know. 

I  grant,  indeed,  thy  wish  concerning  me : 
I'm  Guido  Guinizelli,  purged  by  fire 
Through  penitence  before  th*  extremity.'* — 

As,  in  the  frenzy  of  Lycurgus'  ire 

Against  their  mother,  the  two  sons  became. 
Such  became  I  (but  do  not  so  aspire). 

When  I  had  heard  himself  the  father  name 
Of  me,  and  other  better  men  than  I, 
Who  sweet  and  gracious  love-rimes  used  to  frame: 

And  reft  of  hearing  I  went  thoughtfully. 

Long  while  agaze  at  him,  and  nothing  said. 
Nor  for  the  fire  did  I  approach  more  nigh. 

As  soon  as  of  beholding  I  was  fed, 

I  offered  myself  all  to  do  him  grace, 
With  such  a  vow  as  makes  one  credited. 


Taunted  by  his 
ribald  soldiery 


I.e.,  immoderate 
but  not  unnatu- 
ral self-indul- 
gence 


Cf.  zt,  97-99 


He  felt  as  the 
sons  felt  on 
recognizing  their 
mother,  but  re- 
strained him- 
self more 


262  Purgatorio 

And  he  to  me:  "Thy  words  have  left  a  trace 

Upon  my  spirit  charactered  so  clear  ] 
That  Lethe  cannot  dim  it  nor  efface. 

But  if  it  be  a  true  avouch  I  hear,  \ 

What  is  the  cause  of  thy  avowal,  pray,  ] 

By  word  and  look  that  thou  dost  hold  me  dear?" —  j 

And  I  to  him:  "Your  every  dulcet  lay. 

Which,  if  our  modern  use  endure  so  long. 
Will  render  dear  their  very  ink  for  aye." — 

"He  yonder,  brother,"  back  to  me  he  flung  i 

With  finger  pointing  to  a  spirit  before,  ^ 

"Was  a  better  shaper  of  his  mother  tongue.  ' 

In  love-rimes  and  romantic  tales  of  yore  l 

Surpassed  he  all,  and  let  fools  prate  who  view  ^ 
Him  of  Limoges  as  the  superior. 

They  hold  by  rumor  more  than  by  the  true,  j 

And  in  that  way  their  fixt  opinion  mold,  j 

Ere  art  or  reason  have  been  listened  to.  ; 

Thus  with  Guittone  many  did  of  old,  i 

Basing  his  praise  upon  they  say,  they  say,  j 
Until  at  length  with  most  the  truth  controlled. — 

Now  if  thou  have  such  charter  that  the  way  * 

Lito  that  cloister  is  vouchsafed  to  thee  j 

Where  Christ  is  abbot  of  the  college,  pray  ' 

A  Paternoster  unto  him  for  me,  j 

As  far  as  here  may  boot  the  utterance,  \ 

Where  will  to  sin  remains  no  longer  free." —  1 

Then  to  give  place  to  others  who  perchance 

Fast  followed  him,  he  vanisht  in  the  fire,  i 
As  fishes  bottomward  through  water  glance. 

Thereafter  I  drew  forward  somewhat  nigher  i 

To  him  who  had  been  pointed  out,  to  pray  ; 

That  he  vouchsafe  his  name  to  my  desire.  j 

And  thus  he  graciously  began  to  say:  | 

"Your  courteous  request  delights  me  so,  1 

I  cannot  from  you,  will  not,  hide  away.  ] 


A  Sweet  Strain  of  Provence  263 

I  am  Arnaut  who  weep  and  singing  go;  Arnaut  Daniel, 

Contritely  for  past  folly  I  repine.  o/n&u, 

And  blithely  see  the  hoped-for  morning  glow.  by  Dante,  who 

I  pray  you  now  by  Influence  Divine  tZ%Z^al 

That  guides  you  to  the  summit  of  the  stair,  tongue,  preserv- 

Be  timely  mindful  of  this  pain  of  mine."-  ^  tftt^wt 

Then  hid  he  in  the  fire  that  makes  them  fair.  and  cadence 


264  Purgatorio 

XXVII 

The  Will  of  the  Pilgrim  of  Eternity  Is 
Purified 

Third  and  lad    As  when  the  earliest  rays  of  dawning  quiver 
7ounZn%.  Where  shed  His  blood  the  Maker  of  the  light, 

beginning  of  High  Libra  lamping  over  Ebro-river, 

an    M)  ^^^  Ganges-wave  at  noontide  burning  bright, 

So  hung  the  sun;  and  day  being  nearly  o'er, 
Appeared  to  us  God's  Angel  benedight. 

Standing  without  the  flame  upon  the  shore, 

He  sang:  "Blest  they  who  pure  in  heart  abide !"- 
In  voice  melodious,  than  ours  far  more. 

Then:  "No  one  farther  goes,  souls  sanctified, 
Unbitten  by  the  fire;  be  thither  sped, 
Not  deaf  to  chanting  from  the  farther  side." — 

As  we  drew  nearer  to  him,  this  he  said : 
And,  listening,  I  such  became  in  mien 
As  he  who  in  the  burial  pit  is  laid. 

Up  started  I,  with  clasping  hands,  and  keen 
Glance  at  the  fire,  and  vivid  memory 
Of  burning  human  bodies  erewhile  seen. 

My  kindly  Escorts  turned  about  to  me. 

And  Virgil  thus  addrest  me:  "Son  of  mine, 
Here  is  no  death,  though  well  may  torment  be. 

Recall,  recall !  when  layest  thou  supine 

On  Geryon's  shoulders,  still  I  safely  led; 
And  how  then  now,  less  far  from  the  Divine.^ 

What  though  a  thousand  years  within  the  bed 
Of  this  same  fire  thou  didst  abide,  believe 
It  could  not  hurt  a  hair  upon  thy  head. 

And  if  perchance  thou  deem  that  I  deceive, 
Draw  nigh  it,  and  with  proper  hands  assay 
Upon  the  border  of  thy  garments.  Give 

Fear  to  the  wind, — ^put  every  doubt  away; 
Turn  and  come  hither  with  security  .** — 
Yet  against  conscience  did  I  rooted  stay. 


Dante  Passes  through  the  Purging  Fire      265 

Seeing  me  stand  yet  rooted  stubbornly, 

"Now  look,  my  son,''  exclaimed  he  with  a  sigh, 
"There  is  this  wall  'twixt  Beatrice  and  thee.'' — 

As  opened  Pyramus  his  dying  eye 

At  name  of  Thisbe,  and  gazed  at  her,  while  flew 
Over  the  mulberry  the  purple  dye; 

So  turned  I,  when  my  stubbornness  withdrew. 
To  my  wise  Leader,  by  the  name  beguiled 
That  ever  wells  in  memory  anew. 

Whereon  he  shook  his  head  at  me,  and  smiled: 

"What,  would  we  tarry  here?" — as  when  we  win 
With  proffered  apple  an  unwilling  child. 

Then  in  advance  of  me  he  entered  in 

The  fire,  entreating  Statins  to  come  last. 
Who  for  a  long  way  back  had  been  between. 

When  I  was  in,  I  would  have  gladly  cast 
Myself  in  molten  glass  for  solacement. 
So  beyond  measure  was  the  burning  blast. 

To  comfort  me,  my  kindly  Father  went 
Ever  discoursing  but  of  Beatrice, 
Saying:  "Her  eyes  seem  now  upon  us  bent.** — 

Beyond,  a  voice  was  singing,  and  by  this 
Conducted,  and  to  this  attentive  quite. 
We  issued  forth  where  mounts  the  precipice. 

"Come,  all  ye  of  my  Father  benedight!" — 
Rang  from  within  a  light  there  manifest 
So  that  I  could  not  look,  it  was  so  bright. 

"Night  comes,"  it  added,  "and  goes  the  sun  to  rest; 
Then  quicken  up  your  pace  and  do  not  stay, 
While  yet  not  wholly  darkened  is  the  west." — 

Straight  upward  through  the  rock  mounted  the  way. 
Directed  so  that  I,  before  me  there. 
Cut  off  the  sinking  sim's  last  level  ray. 

And  both  I  and  my  Sages  grew  aware 

Of  sunset,  by  my  shadow  vanisht  thence. 
When  we  had  made  brief  trial  of  the  stair. 


266  Purgatorio 

And  ere  within  one  dim  circumference 

The  wide  horizon  mingled  sea  and  shore, 
And  Night  held  sway  with  all  her  influence. 

Each  of  us  on  a  stair  was  bedded;  for 

The  mountain-law  deprived  us  of  the  will 
And  of  the  power  of  there  ascending  more. 

Just  as,  while  ruminating,  goats  grow  still. 
However  bold  and  nimble  they  had  run 
Over  the  heights  before  they  browsed  their  fill, 

Husht  in  the  shade  while  blazes  hot  the  sun, 

Watcht  by  the  herdsman  leaning  on  his  rod. 
Who,  leaning  thus,  attends  them  every  one; 

And  as  the  shepherd,  stretcht  upon  the  sod. 
Watches  by  night  his  quiet  flock  beside. 
That  no  wild  beast  may  scatter  it  abroad: 

Even  so  did  we  at  such  an  hour  abide, 

I  like  the  goat,  they  shepherdUke,  all  three 
Hemmed  in  by  lofty  rock  on  either  side. 

Little  without  could  there  be  seen  by  me; 
But  in  that  little  saw  I  more  intense 
The  stars,  and  larger  than  their  wont  to  be. 

So  musing  and  so  gazing,  somnolence 

Fell  on  me,  such  as  oftentimes  before 
They  come  about,  gives  tidings  of  events. 

That  hour,  I  think,  when  through  the  eastern  door 
First  on  the  mountain  Cytherea  beams, — 
Who  fired  with  love  seems  burning  evermore,— 
Dante's  third      A  Lady  young  and  fair  I  saw,  in  dreams, 
^''Tl.eL^ai^  ^^^  through  a  meadow  land  appeared  to  go 

Rachd, — the  Gathering  flowers,  and  singing  said,  meseems: 

fffc(J^pl^  "If  any  ask  my  name,  then  let  him  know 
tive  That  I  am  Leah,  and  I  move  alway 

Fair  hands  to  wreathe  myself  a  garland  so. 

Here  at  my  glass  I  joy  in  my  array; 

But  never  does  my  sister  Rachel  rise 

Up  from  her  mirror  where  she  sits  all  day. 


Lcyrd  of  Thyself!                        267  \ 

% 

She  yearns  to  look  in  her  own  lovely  eyes,  ; 

As  I  to  deck  me  with  my  hands  am  yearning; 

Her,  seeing,  and  me,  doing  satisfies." —  \ 

Through  splendors  of  the  dawn  already  burning  < 

(That  rise  to  pilgrim  hearts  so  much  more  sweet 

As  less  remote  their  hostel,  home  returning),  1 

The  shades  of  night  were  now  departing  fleet;  \ 

And  slumber  having  with  them  fled  away,  a 

I  rose,  seeing  my  great  Masters  on  their  feet.  i 

"That  sweet  fruit  which,  through  many  a  branching  spray,  \ 

Ye  mortals  go  seeking  with  little  ease,  j 

Shall  set  at  peace  thy  hungerings  today." — 

Virgil  began  to  me  in  words  like  these,  \ 

And  never  were  there  guerdons  that  could  cope 

With  suchlike  rapture-giving  largesses. 

Such  longing  up)on  longing  for  the  slope  l 

Came  over  me,  at  every  step  I  could  1 

Perceive  my  wings  becoming  fledged  with  hope.  j 

When  all  the  stairs  were  traversed,  and  we  stood  • 

Upon  the  uppermost,  did  Virgil  turn 

His  eyes  on  me  with  wistful  fatherhood; 

"Son,  thou  hast  lookt  upon  the  fire  eteme  ■ 

And  temporal,  and  comest  to  a  place  \ 

Where,  of  myself,  no  further  I  discern.  s 

I  brought  thee  here  by  intellect  and  grace;  j 

Henceforth  let  thy  good  pleasure  guide  thy  going: 

Thou  art  beyond  the  steep,  the  narrow  ways.  h 

Look  how  the  sun  is  on  thy  forehead  glowing,  i 

Look  at  the  grass,  the  tender  shrubs,  the  bloom  \ 

That  here  the  soil  is  willingly  bestowing.  ^ 
Until  the  lovely  eyes  rejoicing  come. 

Which  weeping  made  me  come  to  lead  thee  thence,  :\ 

Here  canst  thou  sit  and  canst  among  them  roam.  j 

Await  no  more  my  word  or  influence:  = 

Upright  is  now  thy  will,  and  sound,  and  free. 

And  wrong  to  disobey  its  bidding:  whence  \ 

Lord  of  thyself  I  crown  and  miter  thee." —  \ 


268 


Purgatorio 


Soon  after  sun- 
rise  on  the 
fourth  day. 
Dante,  no  longer 
guided  but  fid- 
lowed  by  the  tux) 
great  Masters, 
is  walking  on 
the  level  wpland 


Now  Classe, 
from  the  Roman 
name  of  the  -port 
of  Ravenna 
(Classis) 


XXVIII 

The  Earthly  Paradise  Crowning  the  Mountain 

Now  eager  for  exploring  the  divine 

Evergreen  forest  dense,  that  screened  the  day, 
So  newly-risen,  for  these  eyes  of  mine, 

I  leave  the  mountain-brow  without  more  stay. 

And  slowly,  slowly  through  the  plain  advance, 
That  everywhere  breathes  fragrance  of  the  May. 

A  soft  air,  subject  to  no  variance. 

Continually  stroked  me  on  the  brow 
As  lightly  as  when  gentle  zephyr  fans; 

And  tremblingly  responsive,  every  bough 
Was  bending  all  its  foliage  what  way 
The  Holy  Moimt  cast  the  first  shadow  now; 

Yet  did  they  not  so  violently  sway 

That  any  little  bird  on  topmost  limb 
Was  fain  forsake  the  practice  of  his  lay. 

But  might,  while  chanting  the  full  joy  in  him. 

Welcome  the  breath  of  morn  the  leaves  among» 
That  ever  bore  a  burden  to  his  hymn : 

From  bough  to  bough  goes  gathering  such  song 
Through  the  pine  forest  on  Chiassi's  shore. 
When  forth  by  ^Eolus  Scirocco  is  flung. 

So  far  already  through  the  woodland  hoar 

My  lingering  feet  had  borne  me,  that  I  knew 
Where  I  had  entered  into  it,  no  more; 

When  lo!  a  brooklet  cut  my  pathway  through. 
Rippling  along  toward  my  left,  and  bending 
The  grasses  that  along  the  margin  grew. 

All  waters  here  in  purity  transcending. 

Would  seem  commingled  in  comparison 

With  this  whose  limpid  wave  conceals  no  blending, 

Although  it  darkly,  very  darkly  run 

Beneath  perpetual  shade,  unpenetrated 
Ever  by  radiance  of  moon  or  sun. 


Matilda  Gathering  Flowers  269 

My  footsteps  tarried,  but  mine  eyes  elated 

Passed  to  alight  beyond  the  rivulet 

On  the  fresh  May  profusely  variegated; 
And  there  appeared  (as  when  a  thing  is  met  The  Lady 

All  of  a  sudden,  leading  thought  to  stray  presaged  by  the 

For  the  great  wonder,  and  all  else  forget)  as  Rachd  prea- 

A  Lady,  who  went  her  solitary  way  *^^^  Beatrice 

Singing  and  cuUing  flower  from  flower,  whereof 

The  coloring  made  all  her  pathway  gay. 
I  said :  "Pray,  Lady  fair,  in  rays  of  love 

Basking,  if  I  may  trust  thy  countenance. 

Which  mirror  of  the  heart  is  wont  to  prove. 
Now  be  it  thy  good  pleasure  to  advance 

Toward  the  margin  of  this  brook,  and  sing. 

So  that  I  better  understand  thy  chants. 
In  place  and  mode  thou  dost  to  memory  bring 

Proserpina,  that  time  when  forfeited 

Her  mother  her,  and  she  herself,  the  spring.^ — 
As  turns  upon  the  floor  with  even  tread 

A  lady  in  the  dance  who  hardly  sets 

Foot  before  foot,  even  so  above  the  bed 
Of  scarlet  and  of  yellow  flowerets. 

She  turned  to  me  with  maidhke  innocence 

And  drooping  eyes,  and  to  the  rivulet's 
Border  approaching,  did  so  recompense 

My  praying,  that  the  dulcet  melody 

Was  borne  to  me,  together  with  the  sense. 
When  she  was  where  the  grass  begins  to  be 

Bathed  by  the  ripples  of  the  beauteous  river. 

She  raised  the  guerdon  of  her  eyes  on  me. 
I  think  there  glowed  so  bright  a  luster  never 

Beneath  the  lids  of  Venus,  by  her  son 

Empierct  with  dart  from  his  unwilling  quiver. 
She  smiled,  erect  upon  the  margin  yon. 

Trailing  manifold  colors  with  her  hands 

Of  flowers  upon  the  highland  never  sown. 


270  Purgatorio 

Three  steps  of  river  hindered  more  advance; 

But  Hellespont,  where  Xerxes  passed  of  yore 
(A  bridle  still  to  all  human  arrogance). 

Was  never  by  Leander  hated  more 

Because  *twixt  Sestos  and  Abydos  swelling, 
Than  that  by  me  for  barring  passage  o'er. 

"Ye  are  newcomers,"  she  began  her  teUing, 
"And  so  my  smihng  in  this  place  elect 
For  human  nature  as  a  native  dwelling. 
Psalm  xcii,  4,     Perchance  awakens  in  you  some  suspect; 
Domine  infac-  "^^^  *^®  Psalm  Delectosti  sheds  a  ray 

turaTuaP {Thou,  Of  Hght  that  may  discloud  your  intellect. 

^%^1k!^h  And  thou  in  front,  who  didst  entreat  me,  say, 
Thy  work)  Wouldst  thou  hear  more? — By  thy  solicitude 

Prompted,  I  came  to  do  it  quite  away." — 
See  the  long  note  "The  water,"  said  I,  "and  the  murmuring  wood 
at  end  of  canto  Impugn  within  me  new  belief,  thereto 

In  contradiction,  as  I  understood." — 

Whence  she :  "How  from  their  proper  cause  ensue 
The  things  occasioning  thy  wonderment. 
Will  I  declare  and  purge  thy  inward  view. 

The  Good  Supreme,  sole  in  itself  content. 
Created  man  for  good,  and  peace  eteme 
Pledged  him  by  giving  him  this  tenement. 

Here,  by  his  fault,  short  while  did  he  sojourn; 
By  his  own  fault,  to  travail  and  to  woe 
Did  innocent  joy  and  pleasant  pastime  turn. 

That  the  disturbances  produced  below 
By  exhalations  of  the  land  and  sea 
(That  after  heat,  as  far  as  may  be,  go) 

Might  wage  no  war  upon  humanity. 

Rose  heavenward  up  so  high  this  mountain  here, 
And  is  above  the  guarded  gateway  free. 

Now  since,  in  circuit  with  the  primal  sphere. 
The  universal  air  is  rolling  round. 
While  it  remains  unbroken  anywhere. 


Streams  of  Oblivion  and  Remembrance      271 


This  motion  strikes  the  summit,  disembound 
In  living  ether  all,  and  makes  the  dense 
Forest,  being  a  thicket,  to  resound. 

Within  the  smitten  plant  has  residence 

Power  to  impregn  the  breeze,  and  this  henceforth. 
In  whirling,  sheds  abroad  that  influence. 

Conceived  and  childed  so  on  yonder  earth 
Are  various  trees  of  virtue  various. 
According  as  its  clime  and  soil  have  worth. 

Rightly  considering  the  matter  thus. 

That  without  visible  seed  some  plants  take  root 
In  yonder  earth,  should  not  seem  marvelous. 

And  thou  must  know  that  where  thou  setst  thy  foot 
The  holy  upland  every  seed  contains. 
And  never  yonder  can  ye  pluck  such  fruit. 

The  water  that  thou  seest  wells  not  from  veins 
Which  vapors,  by  the  cold  condensed,  restore. 
Like  river  that  now  loses  breath,  now  gains, 

But  from  a  fountain  constant  evermore; 
And  will  divine  replenishes  that  source 
By  all  that  forth  its  double  rivers  pour. 

On  this  side,  it  flows  downward  with  the  force 
That  takes  man*s  memory  of  sin  away; 
The  other,  that  of  all  good  done,  restores. 

It  is  called  Lethe  here,  as  Eunoe 

On  the  other  side,  nor  doth  the  working  speed 
Till  of  the  taste  of  both  ye  make  assay. 

This  every  other  savor  doth  exceed. 

Now,  though  thy  thirst  may  be  so  satisfied 
That  of  more  telling  there  be  little  need, 

A  corollary  will  I  grant  beside. 

Nor  deem  I  the  less  dear  to  thee  my  granting. 
If  it  beyond  the  pact  be  amplified. 

Who  anciently  the  golden  age  were  chanting. 
And  its  fehcity,  about  this  place 
Dreamt  peradventure,  while  Parnassus  haunting. 


The  Poet  must 
sometime  have 
dwelt  by  a 
torrent  near  its 
source  in  the 
mmintain  snow, 
which,  melting 
in  the  sun  and 
freezing  at 
night,  keeps 
the  breast  of 
the  stream 
summer-long 
swelling  and 
subsiding 


272  Purgatorio 

Here  without  guile  took  root  the  human  race; 

Here  is  all  fruitage,  here  the  prime  unbroken; 

This  is  the  nectar  they  unite  to  praise." — 
Then  looking  to  my  Poets  for  a  token, 

I  noted  how  with  smiling  mien  they  brooked 

The  parable  that  lastly  had  been  spoken; 
Then  to  the  Lady  fair  again  I  looked. 

Note 

This  is  one  of  the  many  cantos  wherein  Dante  tries  to  rib  his 
poetry  with  positive  science, — unscientific  as  much  of  it  proves  to  be. 

In  Canto  xxi,  11.  40-57,  Statius  had  explained  to  Dante  that  above 
the  Gateway  of  Purgatorio  proper, — the  uppermost  of  the  three 
mystic  steps  whereon  the  Vicar  of  Peter  has  his  feet, — there  is  no 
earthquake,  nor  rain  nor  hail  nor  mist,  in  short,  no  climatic  alter- 
ation or  meteorological  change,  such  as  the  lower  parts  of  the  moun- 
tain, being  purely  natural,  are  subject  to.  Here,  however,  Dante 
sees  a  running  stream,  feels  a  breeze  upon  his  brow,  hears  a  soughing 
in  the  forest  whose  leaves  and  sprays  are  all  bent  toward  the  west 
under  the  steady  stress  of  the  eastern  tradewind.  AU  this  appears 
to  contradict  what  Statius  had  told  him,  so  that  he  is  full  of  doubt 
and  wonder.  Accordingly  when  the  beautiful  Lady  (Matilda,  Canto 
xxxiii,  1.  119)  invites  him  to  ask  questions,  he  begs  her  to  ex- 
plain this  contradiction. — ^The  substance  of  her  explanation  is  as 
follows:  "My  smiling  is  explained  by  the  Ninety-second  Psalm, 
'For  Thou,  Lord,  hast  made  me  glad  through  Thy  work.' "  As  to  the 
wind  (11.  97-99),  "this  passage,"  says  Moore,  "describes  the  exemption 
of  the  Earthly  Paradise  from  the  storms  generated  on  the  lower  earth 
by  the  exhalations  which,  proceeding  from  the  water  and  the  earth, 
rise  as  far  as  they  can,  following  the  heat  by  which  such  exhalations 
are  drawn  up."  (Studies  in  Dante,  I,  131.)  Here,  as  everywhere, 
Dante  followed  the  science  of  hb  time,  which  itself  followed  Aristotle's 
Meteorologica.  But  the  wind  here  on  the  upper  mountain  is  due  to  a 
very  different  cause:  the  revolution  of  the  Primum  Mobile  (Milton's 
"that  first  moved,"  Par.  Lost,  B.  iii,  483),  la  prima  volta,  or  first 
moving  sphere.  It  is  this  that,  carrying  with  it  the  upper  air  from  east 
to  west  around  the  stationary  earth,  causes  the  steady  current  or 
tradewind  which  bends  the  leaves  all  one  way  and  makes  the  forest 
murmur  like  that  on  Classe's  shore  (la  Pineta  di  Ravenna).  As  to 
the  water: — In  many  places  (e.g.,  Purg.  Canto  v,  11.  109-123;  Canto 
xiv,  11.  31-36)  Dante  deals  with  the  action  of  the  moisture  in  the  air, 
forever  replenishing  the  rivers  at  their  sources  in  the  mountains.  But 
here  the  two  streams,  Lethe  and  Eunoe,  issue  at  two  sides  from  a 
fountain,  steady  and  sure,  that  is  constantly  fed  by  direct  inter- 
position of  the  Will  of  God.  Thus  Dante's  doubts  are  solved,  but  the 
Lady  volunteers  a  "corollary,"  identifying  the  Earthly  Paradise  with 
the  Age  of  Gold  of  the  Poets,  two  of  whom  are  present  and  are  pleased. 


The  Forest  Full  of  Light  and  Melody       273  ^ 

XXIX  I 

The  Mystic  Procession  of  the  Church  ^ 
Triumphant 

The  Lady,  in  the  manner  of  a  lover,  Vulgate  Psalm 

Resumed  her  singing,  when  her  words  were  done:     f^'  ^quorum   j 

«-r»i          111*                               1             M           tecta  sunt  « 

"Blessed  are  they  whose  sms  are  covered  over." —     peccata"  i 

And  as  the  nymphs  were  wont  to  go  alone  \ 

Among  the  woodland  shadows,  with  endeavor 

Some  to  behold,  some  to  avoid  the  sun. 

She  then,  against  the  current  of  the  river,  \ 

Followed  the  bank,  and  I  with  her  abreast. 

Brief  paces  with  brief  paces  matching  ever.  j 

Between  us  not  a  hundred  steps  were  paced,  j 

When  both  alike  the  margins  made  a  bend,  ■ 

So  that  toward  the  East  again  I  faced.  { 

Nor  yet,  so  going,  had  we  far  to  wend  ^ 

Before  the  Lady  fully  turned  about  I 

Toward  me, saying:  "Look,  brother, and  attend." —  I 

And  lo !  a  sudden  luster  ran  throughout  i 

Every  quarter  of  the  forest  vast,  i 

So  that  of  hghtning  I  was  put  in  doubt. 
But  since  the  lightning,  as  it  comes,  is  past. 

And  this  still  brightened  more  and  more  the  wood,  ] 

"What  thing  is  this?" — within  my  thought  I  cast.  j 

Then  did  a  melody  delightful  flood  zi 

The  illumined  air,  whence  holy  ardor  made  '[ 

Me  fain  to  reprobate  Eve's  hardihood; 
For  there,  where  both  the  Earth  and  Heaven  obeyed. 

The  woman  only,  and  but  just  created,  ' 

Would  underneath  not  any  veil  be  stayed;  5 

Whereunder,  had  she  but  devoutly  waited,  ■ 

So  should  I  that  ineffable  content  1 

Have  sooner  had,  and  had  it  unabated.  i 

While  I  amid  so  many  first-fruits  went,  j 

Of  the  eternal  joy,  and  all  upstrung,  ] 

And  evermore  on  greater  joyance  bent,  ^ 


274                              Purgatorio  ^ 

4 

In  front  of  us,  the  verdant  boughs  among,  : 
The  air  as  if  by  fire  enkindled  grew. 

And  the  sweet  sound  was  now  perceived  as  song.  j 

O  holy  Virgins !  now  did  I  for  you  \ 

Hunger  or  cold  or  vigils  never  shun,  ] 

Need  goads  me  to  implore  the  guerdon  due.  * 

Pour  forth  for  me  thy  waters,  Helicon,  I 
Urania  sustain  me  with  thy  chorus. 

To  put  in  rime  things  hard  to  think  upon!  | 

The  wide  tract  of  the  middle  distance  bore  us  i 

The  show  of  seven  trees  of  gold,  not  far  ' 
Beyond,  in  false  presentment  there  before  us; 

But  when  so  near  approacht  to  them  we  are, 

That  common  traits  which  lead  the  senses  wrong 

Forfeit  by  distance  no  particular,  i 

The  force  that  makes  discourse  of  reason  strong  \ 

Perceived  at  length  that  candlesticks  were  they,  ■ 
And  heard  "Hosannah"  in  voices  of  the  song. 

Aloft  was  flaming  now  the  fair  array. 

Far  brighter  than  the  Moon  who  lamps  the  skies  ^ 

At  midnight  in  her  monthly  course  midway.  i 

Thereon  I  turned  about  with  wild  surmise  \ 
To  the  good  Virgil,  who  thereto  replied 

With  like  amazement  in  his  startled  eyes.  I 

Thence  turning  back  my  vision,  I  descried  j 

Those  high  things  moving  on  to  us  so  slow  ] 
They  would  have  been  outstript  by  the  new  bride. 

The  Lady  chided  me:  "Why  yearning  so  ! 

Only  to  gaze  upon  each  Hving  light,  i 

That  what  comes  after  them  thou  dost  forgo?"  : 

Then,  as  behind  their  leaders,  came  to  sight  j 

A  people  in  white  raiment, — ^never  seen  ] 

Was  here  up)on  the  earth  so  pure  a  white.  \ 

The  water  on  my  left  was  full  of  sheen,  j 

Reflecting  back  the  left-hand  side  of  me  j 

As  in  a  mirror,  when  I  lookt  therein.  j 


Pageant  of  the  Sacred  Books 


275 


When  I  had  gained  such  place  upon  the  lea 
That  separated  me  the  brook  alone, 
I  stayed  my  steps,  the  better  thus  to  see. 

And  saw  the  flamelets  forward  move,  a  zone 
Of  painted  air  behind  them  leaving,  so 
That  they  appeared  like  painters'  brushes  drawn; 

And  thus  the  air  above  remained  aglow 

With  seven  stripes,  containing  every  hue 
Of  DeHa's  girdle  and  Apollo's  bow. 

These  pennons  farther  than  my  range  of  view 
Were  streaming  rearward;  by  my  estimate 
Ten  steps  asunder  were  the  outer  two. 

Under  so  fair  a  sky  as  I  relate, 

By  two  and  two  came  Elders  twenty-four. 
Their  brows  with  flower-de-luce  incoronate. 

They  all  were  singing:  "Blessed  thou  before 
The  daughters  all  of  Adam;  blessed  be 
Thy  loveliness  forever  and  evermore." — 

Now  when  no  more  the  chosen  company 

Footed  the  flowers  and  tender  herbage  seen 
Upon  the  margin  opposite  to  me. 

As  follows  hght  on  Hght  in  the  serene 

Heaven,  came  after  them  four  hving  things. 
Each  one  incoronate  with  frondage  green. 

Every  one  was  feathered  with  six  wings 

Studded  with  eyes;  the  eyes  of  Argus  thus, 
If  living,  might  be  full  of  visionings. 

I  lavish  no  more  verses  to  discuss 

Their  form,  O  Reader!  other  charges  bind 
So,  that  perforce  I  am  penurious. 

But  read  Ezekiel,  and  call  to  mind 

How  he  beheld  them  from  the  quarter  cold 
With  cloud  approaching,  and  with  fire  and  wind; 

As  thou  shalt  find  it  in  his  pages  told. 

Such  were  they, — save  as  to  their  pinions,  John 
Varies  from  him,  and  with  the  saint  I  hold. 


The  lunar  and 
solar  spectrum 


Books  of  the 
Old  Testament 


The  Gospels 


276 


Purgatorio 


The  Gryphon 
who  draws  the 
Car  of  the 
Church  typifies 
the  union  of  the 
Divine  and  the 
human  in  the 
Saviour.    The 
middle  stripe  of 
the  seven  colors 
is  between  his 
wings 


Love 
Hope 
Faith 


Guided  by  Pru- 
dence, who  sees 
past,  present, 
future 


The  beloved 
physician, 
St.  Luke 


St.  Paul 


Within  the  space  among  those  four  came  on, 
Triumphal,  roUing  on  two  wheels,  a  Wain 
That  forward  by  a  Gryphon's  neck  was  drawn. 

Up  he  extended  both  his  wings  between 

The  middle  striping  and  the  three  and  three, 
That  none  took  hurt  from  being  cleft  amain. 

How  high  they  rose  no  human  eye  could  see; 

Where  he  is  bird  his  limbs  of  gold  are  wrought, 
The  others  white,  but  mingled  ruddily. 

With  car  so  beautiful  Rome  honored  not 
Or  Scipio  or  even  Augustus, — ^nay. 
Poor  were  the  Sun's  to  such  a  chariot. 

The  chariot  of  the  Sun  which,  driven  astray. 
Was  burnt  at  Earth's  devoted  orison. 
When  Jove  was  just  in  his  mysterious  way. 

At  the  right  wheel,  in  dance  came  whirling  on 
Three  ladies :  one  of  such  a  ruddy  glow 
As  haply  in  the  fire  were  seen  of  none; 

Such  flesh  and  frame  the  second  one  did  show 
As  out  of  emerald  she  had  been  made; 
The  third  appeared  like  freshly  fallen  snow. 

Now  by  the  white  appeared  they  to  be  led. 
Now  by  the  ruddy  lady,  by  whose  lay 
The  others  timed  their  swift  or  tardy  tread. 

Beside  the  left  wheel  four  made  holiday 
In  purple  raiment,  following  as  guide 
One  in  whose  head  three  eyes  lookt  every  way. 

Behind  all  those  described  thus,  I  descried 
Two  aged  men  clad  with  a  difference. 
But  like  in  bearing  grave  and  dignified. 

One  seemed  adept  in  the  experiments 

Of  high  Hippocrates,  whom  Nature  made 
For  th'  animals  she  holds  in  preference; 

The  other,  who  was  carrying  a  blade 

Gleaming  and  sharp,  showed  care  so  opposite 
That,  though  this  side  the  stream,  I  was  afraid. 


Crowned  with  Crimson  and  Rose 


^11 


Thereafter  saw  I  four  of  humble  plight; 
And  behind  all  an  aged  man  alone 
Walking  in  trance,  but  yet  acute  of  sight. 

These  seven,  like  the  company  first  shown. 
Were  habited  in  white;  yet  not  Kke  those 
Around  the  forehead  wore  a  Uly  crown. 

But  rather  flowers  of  crimson,  and  the  rose: 

Onlooker  would  have  sworn,  if  near  them  not. 
That  they  were  all  aflame  above  their  brows. 

When  over  against  me  was  the  Chariot, 

Thunder  was  heard;  whereby  that  worthy  band 
Was  interdicted  further  march,  methought. 

There  with  the  vanward  ensigns  brought  to  stand. 


Minor  Epistles 
and  Apoca- 
lypse {Revelor 
tion  of  St. 
John  the 
Divine) 


278 


Purgatorio 


See  the  long 
note  at  the  end 
of  this  canto 

The  symbolical 
Seven  Candle- 
sticks guided  as 
Charles's  Wain 
here  guides  the 
mariner 


XXX 

The  Reproaches  of  Beatrice 

When  the  Septentrion  of  highest  Heaven 
That  set  or  rising  never  knew,  nor  pall 
Of  any  cloud  save  that  of  sin,  had  given 

To  every  creature  there  processional 
Such  due  direction  as  is  ever  sought 
From  that  below  by  homing  pilots  all, — 

When  that  stood  still,  the  people  true  of  thought 
First  come  *twixt  Gryphon  and  Septentrion, 
As  to  their  peace  turned  to  the  Chariot. 

"Come  with  me,  with  me.  Bride,  from  Lebanon," 
Cried  one  like  Messenger  from  Heaven,  in  song 
Thrice  over,  and  so  the  others  every  one. 

And  as  the  blest,  when  the  last  trump  has  rung. 
Shall  each  rise  lightly  from  the  funeral  urn 
With  Hallelujah  on  requickened  tongue. 

So  on  the  Car  Divine  did  I  discern 

A  hundred  at  such  Elder's  call  upstand. 
Angels  and  ministers  of  Hfe  eterne. 

**Blessed  be  thou  that  comest !"  cried  that  band, 
FilUng  the  air  with  flowers  along  the  way, 
"O  give  ye  lihes  all  with  Hberal  hand !" — 

How  often  have  I  seen  at  break  of  day 
The  region  of  the  East  all  roseate. 
And  else  the  limpid  sky  in  fair  array. 

While  overshadowing  mists  so  mitigate 

The  rising  splendor  that  these  eyes  of  ours 
Encounter  it  awhile  with  gaze  sedate, — 

So  in  the  bosom  of  a  cloud  of  flowers 

Flung  in  the  air  and  drifting  to  the  ground 
From  the  angehc  hands  in  blossom  showers. 

In  veil  of  white,  with  olive  fillet  crowned, 
Appeared  to  me  a  Lady  in  mantle  green. 
With  color  of  living  flame  invested  roimd. 


Vanishing  of  Virgil  279                        ] 

And  to  my  spirit  that  so  long  had  been  ] 

Out  of  her  presence,  which  did  ever  move  j 

Me  to  stand  trembling  and  abasht  of  mien,  ; 

Virtue  descending  through  her  from  above  } 
Attested,  without  witness  of  the  eye. 

The  great  tenacity  of  early  love.  ] 

No  sooner  smote  my  sight  the  virtue  high  ; 

Which  had  already  pierct  me  through  the  breast  ; 

Before  my  early  boyhood  had  gone  by,  i 

Than  to  the  left  as  trustfully  I  pressed  ; 

As  to  the  mother  does  the  child,  distraught  j 

By  terror  or  by  grief,  to  manifest  j 

To  Virgil:  "In  my  pulses  beats  no  jot  i 
Of  blood  that  does  not  quiver;  I  perceive 

The  early  flame  beneath  the  ashes  hot/^ —  ] 

But  gone  was  Virgil,  leaving  me  to  grieve,  ' 

Virgil,  to  me  a  father  passing  dear,  i 

Virgil  from  whom  salvation  I  retrieve,  ■ 

Nor  all  that  lost  our  ancient  mother  here  \ 

Availed  to  keep  my  cheeks,  though  cleansed  with  dew,  \ 

From  being  stained  again  with  many  a  tear.  ■. 

^'Dante,  because  Virgilius  withdrew,  | 

Do  not  weep  yet,  not  yet  a-weeping  fall:  ; 

Another  sword  has  yet  to  pierce  thee  through." —  \ 

As  stands  at  stern  or  prow  an  admiral  *: 

To  inspect  the  service,  and  to  cheer  the  men  i 

Upon  the  other  ships  to  prowess  all,  ] 

At  the  left  margin  of  the  chariot, — when  ( 
I  turned  about  on  hearing  mine  own  name 
Which  here  indeed  I  cannot  choose  but  pen, — 

I  saw  the  Lady,  she  before  who  came  \ 

Veiled  underneath  the  angelic  festival,  i 

Direct  her  eyes  to  me  across  the  stream.  i 

Though,  circled  with  Minerva's  coronal. 

The  ample  veil  descending  from  her  head  ] 

Gave  forth  but  faint  glimpse  of  her  form,  withal  -j 


280  Purgatorio 

Austerely,  and  with  queenly  bearing  dread  \ 
Continued  she,  as  who  in  saying  this 

Still  left  the  hottest  utterance  unsaid:  \ 

''Look  at  us  well,  we  are,  we  are  Beatrice;  i 
How  didst  thou  deign  to  come  unto  the  Mount? 

Knewest  thou  not  that  man  is  here  in  bliss?" —  j 

Mine  eyes  fell  down  into  the  limpid  fount,  j 

But  seeing  myself  reflected,  did  I  turn  \ 

Back  to  the  lawn  again  with  bashful  front.  \ 

As  to  the  child  appears  the  mother  stern, 

So  she  appeared  to  me;  for  bitter  food  . 

Is  pity,  and  tart  in  flavor,  though  it  yearn.  - 

She  held  her  peace,  and  the  angel  multitude  j 

Pmlm  XXX,  1-8^^  >— Chanted:  "In  Thee,  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust,"*  i 

But  beyond  "set  my  feet"  did  not  conclude.  | 

As,  on  the  back  of  Italy,  the  gust  \ 

Slavonic  doth  the  living  rafters  sheathe  i 

With  drifted  snow  soon  frozen  to  a  crust,  j 

Which  melts  and  trickles  down  if  only  breathe  1 

The  land  where  shrink  the  shadows,  and  ap(>ears  j 
Like  wax  that  liquefies  the  flame  beneath, — 

So  I  remained  with  neither  sighs  nor  tears 
Before  the  song  of  them  who  chanting  go 

After  the  notes  of  the  eternal  spheres.  \ 

But  when  I  heard  their  timeful  pity  flow  \ 
More  sweetly  than  as  if  it  were  exprest: 

"Lady,  why  dost  thou  break  his  spirit  so?" —  I 
7  y— The  ice  that  was  about  my  heart  comprest, 

To  breath  and  water  changing,  gusht  forth  hot 

Through  lips  and  eyes  with  anguish  from  my  breast.  \ 

Still  from  the  same  side  of  the  Chariot,  ; 
Turned  she  to  that  compassionate  array 
Her  words,  her  attitude  yet  moving  not: 

"Ye  keep  your  watch  through  the  eternal  day  ■ 

So  that  nor  night  nor  slumber  robs  from  you  | 

One  step  the  world  may  walk  along  its  way;  \ 


Dante  Accused  before  Angels  281 

Thus  to  my  answer  greater  heed  is  due 

That  yonder  weeper  understand  me,  whence 
Of  equal  measure  may  be  guilt  and  rue. 

By  work  not  only  of  the  wheels  immense 

Guiding  all  seeds  toward  their  destined  places 
According  as  the  stars  rain  influence, 

But  by  the  guerdon  of  celestial  graces. 

Which  have  so  lofty  vapors  for  their  showers 
That  nevermore  our  sight  their  fountain  traces. 

Such,  virtually,  was  this  friend  of  ours 
In  his  new  life,  that  issue  marvelous 
Was  to  be  lookt  for  from  his  native  powers. 

But  all  the  wilder  and  more  mischievous 
Is  an  unweeded  garden  grown  to  seed. 
The  more  the  soil  is  rank  and  vigorous. 

Whiles  I  sustained  him  with  my  face  indeed. 

The  hght  of  my  young  eyes  upon  him  turning; 
And  tow'rd  right  issues  followed  he  my  lead. 
?v5  .^(Vhen  I  had  crossed  my  second  threshold,  spurning 
That  earthly  life,  the  heavenly  to  inherit. 
Then  he  forsook  me  for  another  yearning^ 

So,  when  arisen  out  of  flesh  to  spirit. 

Waxing  in  beauty  and  in  worth,  I  grew 
Less  precious  to  his  mind,  and  of  less  merit; 

And  his  feet  wandered  by  a  way  not  true 
After  false  images  of  good,  pursuing 
Promises  unredeemed  with  payment  due. 

To  summon  him  away  from  his  undoing. 
The  invocation  of  no  dream  or  vision 
Availed  to  me, — so  little  was  he  ruing. 

He  fell  so  low,  no  means  for  the  remission 
Of  sin  in  him  yet  in  my  power  was  lying. 
Save  showing  him  the  people  of  perdition. 

For  this  I  gained  the  portal  of  the  dying. 

And  to  that  one  who  led  him  here  were  spoken 
My  supplications  mingled  with  my  sighing. 


282  Purgatorio 

High  j&at  of  the  Almighty  would  be  broken 

Were  he  to  traverse  Lethe  without  scoring 
Due  payment  of  such  viand,  certain  token 

Of  deep  repentance  with  hot  tears  outpouring."— 

Note 

No  sooner  has  the  divine  Chariot  come  to  a  standstill,  than  there 
arise  upon  it  a  hundred  ministers  and  messengers  of  eternal  life, 
singing  and  flinging  up  a  cloud  of  flowers,  in  the  midst  of  which  appears 
to  the  poet  a  Lady  clad  in  the  tricolor  of  the  Christian  virtues.  Her 
robe  is  of  the  hue  of  living  flame,  and  her  mantle  green,  but  of  these 
the  poet  seems  only  to  have  a  glimpse,  for  she  is  all  shrouded  in  a 
white  veil  flowing  down  from  the  head  where  it  is  filleted  with  the" 
frond  of  Minerva, — the  olive  garland,  symbol  of  wisdom  and  peace. 
His  pulses  all  astir  with  the  tokens  of  the  old^ame  (veteris  vesti^a 
flammae),  the  poet  turns  to  share  the  transport  with  his  wise  guide, 
his  beloved  father;  but  Virgil,  who  has  never  failed  him  in  distress,  is 
not  permitted  to  be  a  partaker  of  his  joy.  With  a  subtle  suggestion 
of  man's  first  forfeiture  of  Paradise,  the  poet  betrays  a  pathetic 
weakness,  making  us  aware  that  even  in  this  supreme  moment  of 
revelation  and  attainment,  his  strongest  sentiment  is  that  of  regret 
for  his  lost  master.  A  great  flood  of  human  feehng  rolls  over  him,  the 
"light  of  higher  eyes"  is  darkened,  and  he  yearns  backward  even  as 
Orpheus  did  after  the  vanishing  shade  of  his  Eurydice. 

This  is  the  most  humanly  significant  moment  in  the  poem.  Virgil 
signifies  for  him  all  grace  of  art,  all  serenity  of  reason,  all  human 
amenity, — all  that  the  Parthenon  typifies  in  contradistinction  from 
the  Cathedral  of  the  Christian.  It  is  not  without  a  pang  that  the 
poet  can  give  up  all  this,  even  at  the  moment  of  the  fulfillment  of 
his  unexampled  quest,  even  now  when  he  stands  at  last  in  the  presence 
of  Beatrice.  Probably  many  readers  will  share  Dante's  sense  of 
bereavement  in  the  loss  of  the  gentlie  Pagan  Sage. 

At  this  moment  when  his  face  is  darkened  with  tears  of  vain  regret, 
in  the  hush  of  song,  in  the  lull  of  the  angelic  festival,  a  woman's 
voice,  terrible  in  its  sweetness,  stabs  him  with  his  name,  as  with 
premonitory  sting  of  the  sword  by  which  his  tears  are  yet  to  flow: 

"Dante,  because  Virgilius  withdrew. 
Do  not  weep  yet,  not  yet  a-weeping  fall: 
Another  sword  has  yet  to  pierce  thee  through."— 

Henceforth,  in  this  and  the  following  canto,  images  of  war  pre- 
dominate. The  Lady's  attitude  is  one  of  command, — like  an  admiral 
she  stands  on  the  left  or  Old-Testament  side  of  the  Chariot.  The, 
warm  color  of  her  inner  vestment  is  now  wholly  shrouded  by  the 
long  flowing  white  veil,  through  which  he  can  divine  her  form  as 
through  a  glass  darkly.  There  is  some  cheer  in  the  touch  of  green 
(fior  del  verde)  in  the  olive  garland;  love  being  hidden,  he  must  make 
the  best  of  faith  and  hope.    With  queenly  sternness,  like  one  who 


Structural  Imagery  of  Poem  283 

keeps  back  her  hottest  words,  she  bids  him  look  well  at  her  as  she 
declares  herself  by  name: 

'  "I  am  indeed  Beatrice!" 

Dante!  Beatrice!  It  was  not  thus  he  had  dreamed  in  the  New  Life 
that  her  name  should  be  linked  with  his!-:— With  superb  irony, 
referring  to  his  besetting  sin  of  pride,  she  demands: 

"How  didst  thou  deign  to  come  imto  the  Mount  ?^ 

Instead  of  looking  at  her  as  she  bids,  he  lets  fall  his  eyes,  but  seeing 
his  shamefast  features  reflected  in  the  clear  brook,  he  is  fain  to  turn 
them  to  the  grassy  margin,  where  they  rest  upon  the  color  of  Hope. 

Taking  advantage  of  a  pause,  the  Angels  now  intone  the  Psalm, 
"In  Te,  Domine,  speravi," — "In  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust" 
(Ps.  xxxi),  or  in  the  Catholic  version  of^he  Vulgate  (Ps.  xxx),  "In 
Thee,  O  Lord,  have  I  hoped." 

The  divine  compassion  of  the  angel  voices  melts  all  the  ice  which 
had  congealed  about  the  heart  of  Dante,  who  is  seized  with  an  agony 
of  contrite  tears.  This  passion  of  tears  is  emphasized  by  the  sublime 
similitude  of  the  freshet  from  the  snowy  Apennines.  It  is  a  narrow 
criticism  which  has  pronounced  this  similitude  to  be  "too  elaborate." 
Its  elaboration  is  calculated,  likd  everything  else  in  this  poem,  to 
support  the  design.  Perhaps  this  is  the  only  long  poem  in  literature 
in  which  all  the  decoration  subserves  a  structural  purpose.  The 
mMter  is  so  important  that  it  must  here  be  dwelt  upon  for  a  moment. 
v-'^Dante,  Virgil,  Beatrice^  each  one  alongside  of  the  personal  and  the 
'"'^  human,  symbolizes  a  whole  system  of  ideas.  Virgil  represents  that 
partial  vision  of  truth  which  it  may  be  given  to  human  philosophy  to 
attain.  Beatrice  represents  that  seeing  of  God  face  to  face,  that 
perfect  revelation  of  truth,  which  to  the  thought  of  the  poet  is 
summed  up  in  tfie  word  Theology.  The  nebula  of  ideas  of  which  the 
man  Dante  is  the  type  is  nothing  less  than  the  whole  sinful  but  aspir- 
ing nature  of  man  stumbling  on  the  altar  steps  that  lead  frond  Nature 
up  to  the  highest  possible  knowledge.  From  his  brow  the  seven 
P's,  each  emblematic  of  a  whole  category  of  sins,  have  been  erased 
one  by  one  by  the  angels  who  guard  the  successive  cornices  by  which 
he  has  climbed  the  mountain  that  straightens  those  whom  the  world 
made  crooked  (Canto  xxiii,  1. 126).  But  the  merely  formal  cancellation 
of  sin  typified  by  this  action  does  not  satisfy  the  conscience.  Divine 
Justice  requires  a  deeper  participation, — a  breaking  up  of  the  ice 
about  the  heart, — ^what  Protestant  Theology  was  afterward  to 
emphasize  as  Conversion.  Hence  before  the  final  rite  of  immersion 
in  Lethe,  which  is  to  blot  out,  not  sin  merely,  but  the  very  remem- 
brance of  sin,  Beatrice  must  sharply  recall  to  Dante's  mind  his 
offenses  against  her,  in  order  that  he  may  make  confession  before 
men  and  angels  with  every  evidence  of  contrition.  The  confession 
which  Dante  so  solemnly  makes  is  by  no  means  merely  symbolic, 
but  truly  personal:  hence  the  necessity  of  recording  his  own  name. 
He  is  about  to  partake  of  that  "sweet  oblivious  antidote"  which  shall 

"Purge  the  stufft  bosom  of  that  perilous  stuff 
Which  weighs  upon  the  heart," 


284  Purgatorio 

and  in  making  this  pathetic  confession  he  is  performing  the  most 
spiritually  consoling  act  of  his  life.  The  importance  then  of  the 
inward  breaking  up  as  preliminary  to  all  outward,  formal  absolution 
cannot  be  too  strongly  emphasized. 

It  was  Dante's  purpose,  as  is  shown  by  his  letter  to  Can  Grande, 
to  blend  in  his  poem  the  personal  and  human  experience  with  the 
universal.  Nowhere  more  than  in  this  canto  is  the  allegory  fused 
with  the  personal  fact.  All  is  personal  and  all  is  symbol.  This  canto 
and  the  next  form  together  a  personal  record  of  thrilling  spiritual 
significance.  Here  the  allegorical  mode  in  art  reaches  its  utmost 
height.  One  may  perhaps  feel  that  the  delineation  of  Virgil  is  on  the 
whole  more  sympathetic  than  his  delineation,  after  this  point  and 
throughout  the  Paradiso,  of  Beatrice.  So  one  may  prefer  the  marble 
splendor  and  pure  symmetry  of  the  Parthenon  to  the  pinnacles  and 
dim  religious  light  of  the  Cathedral.  A  liberal  criticism  will  recognize 
in  each  an  ultimate  outreach  of  human  faculty.  Dante's  art  is 
incomparably  more  ample  than  that  of  the  Cathedral  builders,  who 
render  perfectly  the  terrors  and  mysteries  of  religion,  but  in  the 
matter  of  human  interest  fall  into  the  grotesque.  Dante's  classic 
taste  keeps  the  grotesque  within  bounds,  so  that  he  is  able  more  than 
they,  and  more  than  any  other  artist,  to  render  the  beauty  of  holiness, 
whUe  never  getting  away  too  far-^rom  human  nature  and  experience, 
necessarily  the  subjects  of  all  acceptable  art. 


The  Poet  Humble  and  Contrite 


285 


XXXI 

Dante's  Bitter  Confession 

"O  thou  who  art  yon  side  the  sacred  river/' 

Aiming  her  speech  at  me  by  thrust,  that  through 
The  cutting  edge  alone  had  made  me  quiver, 

Pursuing  without  truce  began  she  anew, — 
"To  such  a  heavy  charge  is  requisite 
Thine  own  confession:  speak,  speak,  is  it  true?" — 

So  great  the  p)erturbation  of  my  wit. 

Though  my  tongue  moved,  it  was  with  such  delay 
That  first  my  voice  had  died  away  on  it. 

Granting  short  shrift,  she  urged:  "What  dost  thou  say? 
Answer  me,  for  the  memories  that  gnaw 
Are  not  yet  by  the  water  purged  away.**- 

Together  intermingled  sham^e  and  awe 

Constrained  my  Hps  to  shape  forth  such  a  " Yes^ 
As  could  be  heard  only  by  her  who  saw. 

As  crossbow,  tightened  up  with  too  great  stress. 
Is  shattered  when  the  arrow  forth  is  flung. 
Which  strengthless  from  the  target  falls,  no  less 

Was  I-  beneath  this  heavy  charge  unstrung. 

Pouring  forth  tears  and  sighs,  and  so  undone 
The  faltering  voice  was  slow  upon  my  tongue. 

"In  thy  desires  of  me  that  led  thee  on 

To  love  the  Good  Supreme,'^  then  did  she  say, 
"Beyond  which  aspiration  there  is  none, 

What  thwarting  trenches  or  what  cables  lay 
Across  the  avenue  of  thy  advance. 
That  thou  hadst  need  to  strip  thy  hope  away? 

And  what  allurements  in  the  countenance 

Of  others,  or  what  advantage  didst  thou  spy 
That  thou  shouldst  linger  for  their  dalliance ?** — 

After  the  heaving  of  a  bitter  sigh 

My  lips  for  utterance  were  almost  sealed 
And  with  great  effort  shaped  out  a  reply. 


The  cutting  edge 
thai  made  Dante 
quiver  is  the 
intolerably  sweet 
and  unsparing 
review  of  his 
life  in  the  fore- 
going address  of 
Beatrice  to  the 
angels 


y2- 


V 


286  Purgatorio 

Weeping  I  murmured:  "Present  things  that  yield 
Fallacious  joy,  allured  my  steps  aside 
^  (0  - Soon  as  your  countenance  became  concealed." — 

And  she :  "Hadst  thou  been  silent,  or  denied 
What  is  confest,  the  record  would  allege 
Thy  guilt  no  less,  by  such  a  Judge  descried. 

But  when  the  sinner's  scarlet  cheeks  are  pledge 
Of  self -accusal,  in  our  Court  and  Fane 
The  grindstone  is  whirled  back  to  blunt  the  edge. 

Howbeit,  in  order  that  thou  now  sustain 

Shame  for  thy  fault,  and  be  of  stouter  soul 
When  thou  shalt  hear  the  Sirens  sing  again, 

Awhile  the  sowing  of  thy  tears  control. 

And  hearken  how  my  flesh  when  laid  away 
Ho  '^ -Ought  to  have  led  thee  to  the  counter-goal. 

Never  did  Nature,  never  Art  convey 

Such  rapture  to  thee  as  those  features  fair 
That  held  me,  and  are  scattered  in  decay. 

And  if  my  dying  left  thy  soul  so  bare 

Of  joy  supreme,  what  mortal  hankerings 
Ought  ever  have  allured  to  baser  care? 

At  the  first  shaft  of  perishable  things 

Thou  oughtest  truly  to  have  soared  aloof 

With  me  from  such  concern;  nor  should  thy  wings 

Have  been  weighed  downward  to  abide  the  proof 
Of  further  strokes,  whether  of  dainty  maid 
(ff  O  Or  other  vanity  of  brief  behoof. 

For  two  or  three  the  fledgling  may  be  stayed. 
But  in  the  sight  of  the  full-plumaged  bird 
Vainly  the  bolt  is  sp)ed  or  net  is  laid." — 

As  children  stand  abasht  without  a  word. 
But  Hstening  with  eyes  upon  the  ground. 
Conscious  and  sorry  for  the  fault  incurred, 

So  stood  I;  and  she  said:  "Since  thou  hast  found 
Pain  in  the  hearing,  lift  thy  beard, — ^thou  must 
Receive,  by  looking,  yet  more  grievous  wound." — 


72^ 


Drinks  Forgetfulness  of  Fault  287 

With  less  reluctance  is  an  oak  robust 

Wrencht  up  by  gale  that  scours  across  the  sprays 

From  Libia,  or  stricken  by  our  Alpine  gust. 

Than  did  I  at  her  word  my  chin  upraise; 

And  when  by  "beard''  invited  to  the  viewing. 

Full  well  I  felt  the  venom  of  the  phrase. 
And  my  uplifted  eyes,  their  gaze  renewing, 

Plainly  distinguisht  those  primordial  creatures 

How  they  were  pausing  from  their  blossom-strewing ; 
And  these  mine  eyes,  as  yet  uncertain  teachers. 

Showed  Beatrice  turned  to  the  Animal 

That  is  one  single  Person  in  two  natures. 
Beneath  her  veil,  beyond  the  stream  withal. 

She  seemed  beyond  her  ancient  seK  to  go 

More  than  outwent  she  here  the  others  all. 
The  nettle  of  remorse  there  prickt  me  so 

That  what  once  most  with  love  seductive  drew 

Now  most  of  all  things  seemed  to  be  my  foe. 
Such  self -conviction  gnawed  my  conscience  through, 

I  fell  undone;  what  then  upon  me  passed. 

That  knows  she  best  who  gave  me  cause  thereto. 
When  heart  revived  my  outward  sense  at  last, 

Appeared  the  Lady  whom  I  had  found  alone,  Matilda  draws 

Above  me,  saying:  "Hold  fast  to  me,  hold  fast !"—  fZVwMct 
Me  throat-high  in  the  river  had  she  drawn,  takes  away 

And,  haling  me  behind  her,  was  she  light  ^rZZb^ln^of 

As  any  shuttle  o'er  the  water  gone.  personal  sin 

When  I  drew  nigh  the  margin  benedight, 

"Purge  me,"  so  sweetly  did  I  hear  the  soimd. 

Remember  it  I  cannot,  much  less  write. 
The  Lady  fair  then  put  her  arms  around 

My  head,  and  plunged  me  under,  so  embraced. 

Till  fain  to  drink  the  water;  then  she  crowned 
The  whole  by  leading  me,  thus  rendered  chaste, 

Within  the  measure  of  the  lovely  Four, 

Who  each  with  guarding  arm  my  shoulder  graced. 


288  Purgatorio 

"Here  we  are  nymphs,  and  stars  in  Heaven;  before 
Beatrice  down  to  life  on  earth  had  gone, 
We  were  ordained  each  one  her  servitor. 
/XO   We  lead  thee  to  her  eyes;  but  those  three  yon, 

Whose  vision  searches  with  profounder  quest. 
Will  sharpen  to  their  jocund  light  thine  own." — 

So  first  they  sang;  then  to  the  Gryphon's  breast 

Led  me  along  with  them;  and  at  that  spot 

Toward  us  turned,  was  Beatrice  at  rest. 

Dante  sees  the      **Take  heed,"  said  they,  "to  spare  thy  gazing  not; 

Z^r.fl!.'''  Thou  art  before  the  emeralds  at  last, 

union  of  the  ' 

human  with  the  ^      Whence  Love  of  yore  his  arrows  at  thee  shot/'- 

reflected  in  the  Held  mine  eyes  fixed  upon  the  eyes  ashine 

S^/^^'  ""^  ^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^  *"^^  "P^^  ^^^  Gryphon  cast. 

The  Animal  wherein  two  natures  twine 

Was  gleaming  there, — so  in  mirror  gleams  the  sun,- 
Now  in  the  human,  now  in  the  divine. 

Think,  Reader,  how  I  marveled,  seeing  yon 
The  Creature  standing,  as  if  inanimate, 
.  Yet  being  transmuted  in  its  eidolon! 

/  tO  While  yet  both  full  of  wonder  and  elate. 

My  soul  was  breaking  fast  upon  the  food 
That  quenching  causes  thirst  insatiate, 

The  other  Three  came  forth,  their  attitude 
In  dancing  their  angelic  roundelay 
Approving  them  to  be  of  nobler  brood. 

"Turn,  Beatrice,  O  turn,"  so  ran  their  lay, 
"Thy  holy  eyes  upon  thy  servant  leal 
Who  moved  his  steps  to  thee  from  far  away. 
lb  uOf  thy  grace  to  us,  graciously  reveal 

Thy  smile  to  him,  so  that  he  may  discern 

The  second  beauty  which  thou  dost  conceal." — 

O  splendor  of  the  living  light  eterne. 

What  dreaming  poet  ever  has  so  paled 
In  shadow  of  Parnassus,  or  at  its  urn 


Revelation  of  Heavenly  Beauty  289 

So  drunken,  that  his  heart  would  not  have  failed 
Endeavoring  to  render  thee,  how  fair. 
Beneath  the  harmony  of  heaven  unveiled 
/^O  When  opening  thy  beauty  to  the  air? 


£90 


Purgatorio 


Vision  seen  in 
the  Earthly 
Paradise  on  the 
morning  of  the 
fourth  day 


Too  intense 
personal  vision 
reproved  by  the 
Church.  Possi- 
ble reference  to 
the  traces  of  the 
early  jlame 
(xxx,  U8) 


Behind  the  right 
wheel  of  the  Car 


XXXII 

Allegory  of  the  Evil  Days  of  the  Church 

So  steadfast  and  attentive  was  my  eye 
To  satisfy  my  thirst  decennial. 
All  other  sense  did  in  abeyance  lie; 

And  so  her  holy  smiling  made  me  fall 
In  the  old  toils,  that  my  indifference 
Inclosed  me  on  every  side  as  with  a  wall; 

When  force  perforce  my  sight  was  shifted  thence 
Tow*rd  my  left  hand  by  those  Divinities, 
Because  I  heard  from  them  a  "Too  intense !" — 

And  that  condition  of  the  sight,  which  is 
In  eyes  but  lately  smitten  by  the  sun. 
Canceled  awhile  my  vision  after  this. 

But  when  my  sight  was  for  the  less  re  won 
(The  less  compared  with  that  superior 
Splendor  from  which  perforce  I  had  withdrawn). 

Turned  on  the  right  flank  face  about,  once  more 
The  glorious  army  stood  to  me  revealed 
With  sun  and  with  the  seven  flames  before. 

As  changes  front,  'neath  cover  of  the  shield, 

A  squadron  with  the  standard,  while  yet  not 
The  body  of  the  army  can  have  wheeled, 

The  knighthood  of  the  heavenly  realm  that  brought 
The  van  up,  all  had  wheeled  and  passed  us  by 
Ere  the  front  beam  had  turned  the  Chariot. 

Back  to  the  wheels  did  then  the  damsels  hie. 

Whereat  the  Gryphon  moved  his  blessed  charge 
So  that  no  feather  of  him  shook  thereby, ' 

The  Lady  fair  who  drew  me  to  the  marge. 
And  Statins  and  I  fell  in  withal 
Behind  the  wheel  that  curved  with  arc  less  large; 

And  thus,  while  passing  through  the  forest  tall. 

Void  by  her  fault  who  pledged  the  Snake  amiss, 
Our  feet  to  angel  music  timed  their  fall. 


Car  of  Church  Bound  to  Tree  of  Empire    291 


Three  flights  might  carry  along  as  far  as  this 
An  arrow,  haply,  loosened  from  the  string: 
At  such  remove  alighted  Beatrice. 

I  heard  them  one  and  all  there  murmuring 
"Adam  ^P — ^then  circled  they  about  a  tree 
Bare  on  each  bough  of  bloom  and  burgeoning. 

Its  fohage,  which  spreads  accordingly 

As  it  is  towering  upward,  would  for  height 
To  Indians  in  their  woods  a  marvel  be. 

''Blest  art  thou  Gryphon,  that  thou  dost  not  smite 
With  beak  this  tree  that  to  the  taste  is  sweet. 
For  anguish  follows  on  such  appetite.^' — 

So  round  the  sturdy  tree  the  rest  repeat; 
Whereat  the  Animal  of  natures  two: 
"Thus  to  fulfill  all  justice  it  is  meet.'* — 

And,  turning  to  the  wagon-pole,  he  drew 

It  up  beneath  the  widowed  trunk, — ^whereon 
That  which  came  from  it  left  he  bound  thereto. 

Even  as,  when  falls  the  great  light  of  the  sun 

Downward,  commingled  with  that  radiance  far 
Which  beams  behind  the  heavenly  Carp,  anon 

Burgeon  our  trees,  and  each  its  singular 
Color  renews,  before  the  sun  has  set 
Yoke  on  his  coursers  under  other  star: 

So  did  the  tree,  of  fronds  so  naked  yet. 
Revive  and  open  out  into  a  hue 
Less  than  of  rose  and  more  than  violet. 

What  hynm  that  throng  then  sang,  I  never  knew, — 
A  matter  not  intoned  in  human  chants, — 
Nor  could  I  bear  the  melody  all  through. 

O  could  I  picture  sinking  into  trance 

Those  cruel  eyes,  of  Syrinx  hearing  tell. 
Those  eyes  that  paid  so  dear  long  vigilance. 

Into  what  drowsihood  hereon  I  fell. 

Like  painter  from  the  life  would  I  portray: 
Who  would,  must  know  to  image  slumber  well. 


Tree  of  Knowl- 
edge.   The  cross, 
whereof  the 
wain-pole  is 
symbol,  was 
fabled  to  be  of 
the  wood  of  this 
tree 

This  tree, 
grafted  with  the 
cross,  blossoms 
anew,  as  in 
spririg  when  the 
sun  is  in  the 
Ram  just  be- 
hind the  sign  of 
the  Fishes,  our 
trees  renew 
verdure  and 
bloom 


The  tale  with 
which  Hermes 
lulled  Argua 


292 


Purgatorio 


Matilda 


Theology  left  to 
guard  the 
Church,  sur- 
rounded by  the 
Seven  Virtues 


Whence  pass  I  to  my  waking,  and  I  say 

A  dazzling  splendor  rent  the  veil  from  me 

Of  slumber,  and  a  calling:  "Rise,  why  stay?" — 

As,  to  see  blossoms  of  the  apple  tree 

That  makes  the  angels  eager  to  be  fed, 
And  marriage  feasts  in  Heaven  eternally, 

Peter  and  James  and  John  were  upward  led. 
And,  overcome,  recovered  at  the  word 
Of  Him  who  broke  the  slumbers  of  the  dead. 

And  saw  their  band  to  what  it  was  restored 
By  loss  of  Moses  and  EHas  too, 
And  changed  again  the  raiment  of  the  Lord; 

So  I  recovered,  and  so  did  I  view 

Above  me  standing  that  compassionate  Guide, 
Who  my  first  steps  along  the  river  drew. 

"And  where  is  Beatrice?'' — ^perplext  I  cried; 
"Sitting  beneath  the  foliage  freshly  sprung, 
Upon  its  root  behold  her,"  she  replied. 

"Behold  around  her  the  companion  throng; 

The  others  with  the  Gryphon  upward  speeding, 
Singing  a  sweeter  and  a  deeper  song." — 

And  if  she  spoke  more  words  than  the  preceding 
I  know  not,  so  mine  eyes  were  fixt  upon 
Her  who  had  shut  me  off  from  other  heeding. 

Alone  upon  the  bare  earth  sat  she  down. 
Left  there  as  warder  of  the  Chariot 
I  saw  made  fast  by  Creature  two-in-one. 

The  seven  nymphs  a  ring  around  her  wrought. 
And  in  their  hands  the  seven  lampads  lay 
That  Aquilo  and  Auster  extinguish  not. 

"Here  art  thou  forester  but  a  brief  day, 

And  of  that  Rome  where  Christ  is  Roman,  then 
Shalt  thou  a  burgess  with  me  be  for  aye. 

Whence,  for  the  benefit  of  erring  men, 

Observe  the  Car,  and  what  thou  canst  descry, 
Having  returned  to  earth,  take  heed  to  pen." — 


Vidssitvdes  of  the  Church  293 


So  Beatrice  commanded,  and  so  I,  Allegorical  view     \ 

To  very  foot  of  her  commands  devote,  t^h^dP^  "^      \ 

Whither  she  willed  gave  all  my  mind  and  eye. 

Never  with  fall  so  swift  the  Hghtning  smote  \ 

Out  of  a  heavy  cloud-bank,  when  it  showers  • 

Down  from  that  bourn  which  stretches  most  re-  \ 

mote,  i 

As  now  beheld  I  through  the  leafy  bowers  \ 

Swoop  down  the  bird  of  Jupiter  amain,  The  Roman  ' 

Rending  the  bark  and  the  fresh  leaves  and  flowers,     °^  \ 

Thereon  with  all  his  might  smiting  the  Wain;  J 

Whereat  it  reeled,  Uke  ship  storm-buffeted,  I 

Wave-tost  to  starboard  and  to  port  again. 

I  saw  a  she-fox  glide  with  stealthy  tread  Heresy 

Quite  into  the  triumphal  Car  thereon,  j 

And  she  appeared  with  wholesome  food  unfed.  \ 

But  for  so  foul  a  fault,  with  malison. 

My  Lady  put  her  to  such  flight  as  bore  j 

The  fleshless  framework  of  her  skeleton. 

Then,  by  the  course  that  he  had  come  before,  ] 

I  saw  the  eagle  swoop  into  the  ark  Donation  of 

Of  the  Chariot,  and  leave  it  feathered  o'er.  ^^T^ns-       ^ 

And  out  of  Heaven  a  voice  of  sighing,  hark!  us      '  1 

Such  sighs  as  from  a  grieving  bosom  steal :  \ 

"How  badly  art  thou  fraught,  my  Kttle  bark!" —  \ 

Thereon  the  earth  seemed  cleft  twixt  wheel  and  wheel,  \ 

And  thence  I  saw  a  dragon  issuing.  The  schism  he-      ' 

That  upward  through  the  Chariot  thrust  his  tail;     ^^^churdt 

And  like  the  wasp  withdrawing  forth  the  sting,  or  perhaps  I 

He  with  mahgnant  tail  drew  forth  amain  Idamism  \ 

Part  of  the  floor,  and  went  off  wandering.  i 

As  fertile  soil  takes  grass,  the  rest  again  Corrupting  ; 

Took  on  the  plumage,  given  to  satisfy  ^•'  \ 

Intent  perchance  benevolent  and  sane,  \ 

And  both  the  wheels  were  overrun  thereby 
So  quickly,  and  the  chariot-pole  overrun. 
The  lips  are  longer  parted  with  a  sigh.  \ 


^94 


Purgatorio 


Corrupt  rela- 
tions of  Papacy 
and  French 
Monarchy.    The 
scourging  of  the 
whore  doubtless 
refers  to  the 
outrage  upon 
the  person  of 
Pope  Boniface 
{Canto  XX,  85- 
90).  Dante  per- 
haps here  per- 
sonifies in  him- 
self the  enemies 
of  Philip  the 
Fair 

Removal  of 
Papal  See  to 
Avignon.    The 
strange  animal 
must  be  the  Car 
bestialized  by 
the  heads, 
representing  the 
mortal  sin* 


The  holy  structure,  thus  transformed,  anon 
Heads  over  all  its  different  portions  bore. 
Three  on  the  pole,  at  every  corner  one. 

The  three  were  horned  Uke  bullocks,  but  the  four 

With  single  horn  had  each  the  forehead  crowned : 
Monster  like  this  was  never  seen  before. 

Secure  as  citadel  on  lofty  mound, 

Sitting  up)on  the  Car  appeared  to  me 

A  wanton  whore,  darting  her  oglings  round. 

And,  as  her  warder,  lest  she  taken  be, 

Was  standing  at  her  side  a  giant  brute. 
And  now  and  then  their  kissing  did  I  see. 

But  since  her  roving  eye  and  dissolute 

Was  turned  on  me,  that  savage  paramour 
Did  scourge  her  from  her  head  unto  her  foot. 

Then  jealously  and  fierce  with  anger,  tore 

The  Monster  loose,  and  dragged  so  far  withal 
That  with  the  forest  shielded  he  the  whore 

From  me,  and  shielded  the  strange  Animal. 


Beatrice  Prophesies  a  Better  Day  295 


xxxin 

The  Poet  Made  Pure  for  the  Ascent  to  the  Stars 

"O  God,  the  heathen  are  come  into  Thine  own!" 

So  did  the  weeping  maids,  now  three,  now  four 
Alternately,  sweet  psalmody  intone; 

And  heavily  sighed  Beatrice,  and  wore 

A  listening  look  of  such  a  plaintive  grace 
That  Mary  at  the  Cross  changed  little  more. 

But  when  the  other  virgins  had  given  place 
For  her  to  speak,  now  upright  on  her  feet. 
She  made  reply  to  them  with  blazing  face : 

"A  little  while  and  me  ye  shall  not  meet; 
And  yet  a  little  while,"  again  she  said, 
"And  ye  shall  look  upon  me,  sisters  sweet." — 

Then  sent  she  all  the  seven  on,  and  made 
To  follow  after,  merely  by  a  sign. 
Me  and  the  Lady  and  the  Sage  who  stayed. 

So  went  she,  and  had  taken,  I  opine. 

Scarcely  ten  paces,  through  the  woodland  faring. 
When  with  her  piercing  eyes  she  smote  on  mine : 

"Approach,"  commanded  she,  sedate  of  bearing, 
"In  order  that,  if  I  discourse  with  thee. 
Thou  mayst  remain  within  an  easy  hearing." — 

When  I  was  with  her,  as  I  ought  to  be, 

"Brother,"  said  she,  "why  art  thou  diffident 

To  question,  seeing  that  thou  walkst  with  me?" — 

As  befalls  people  over-reverent 

In  speaking  in  the  presence  of  the  great. 

Whose  chattering  teeth  the  living  voice  prevent. 

So  I,  inapt  for  sound  articulate. 

Began:  "You  know,  my  Lady,  what  beseems 
To  me,  because  you  know  my  poor  estate." — 

"I  would  not  have  thee  henceforth  by  extremes 

Of  fear  and  shame,"  she  answered,  "made  to  quail. 
Nor  would  I  have  thee  speak  like  one  in  dreams. 


Seventy-ninth 
Psalm 


Gospel  of  John 
xvi,  16.  AUe- 
gorically,  the 
restoration  of 
the  Church 


The  Lady 
Matilda;  the 
sage  Statins 


Dante  addresses 
her  as  if  she 
were  a  royal 
personage: 
Canto  XXX,  70, 
Par.  xvi,  be- 
ginning 


296 


Purgatorio 


{Following  the 
reading  of 
Torraca) 
So  the  ardent 
prayer  of  Canto 
vi  shall  he 
answered;  the 
Hound  of  Inf.  i 
shall  come. 
The  DXV, 
whatever  be  the 
date  foretold, 
may  be  an  ana- 
gram for  DUX, 
leader,  or  it  may 
be  the  emblem  of 
Christ 


Do  not  let  the 
fear  of  the 
mighty  hinder 
thee  from  telling 
men  that  the 
deed  of  Philip 
the  Fair  is  such 
another  cnme  as 
that  of  the  dis- 
obedience of  our 
first  parents 


First  by  the 
Devil,  now  by 
Philip  the  Fair 
{the  giant) 

Worldly  joys 
stain,  a^  did 
the  blood  of 
Pyramus  the 
mulberry 


Know  that  the  vessel  rent  by  dragon-tail. 
Was  and  is  not:  but  be  the  guilty  aware 
That  Divine  Vengeance  fears  no  coat  of  mail. 

Not  always  shall  remain  without  an  heir 

The  Eagle  that  emplumed  the  Chariot,  whence 
It  grew  a  monster  and  then  a  prey:  I  bear 

Sure  witness,  and  foretell  an  influence 

Of  stars  already  close  at  hand  to  give 
An  era  free  from  all  impediments. 

Wherein  One,  a  Five-hundred  Ten  and  Five, 
God-sent,  shall  with  the  harlot  do  to  death 
That  giant  who  doth  now  with  her  connive. 

Perchance  in  cloudy  talk  I  waste  my  breath. 

Like  Sphynx  and  Themis,  unpersuasive  thus. 
Since  in  their  mode  the  mind  it  darkeneth; 

But  fact  erelong  will  be  the  (Edipus 

Of  this  enigma,  the  hard  knot  untying. 
Nor  be  to  fold  or  field  injurious. 

Mark  thou :  and  even  as  I  am  prophesying, 
So  do  thou  teach  to  those  who  run  the  race 
Of  life,  which  is  a  hastening  to  dying; 

And  bear  in  mind,  when  thou  the  writing  trace. 
Not  to  conceal  how  thou  hast  seen  undone 
The  Plant,  that  twice  was  pillaged  in  this  place. 

Whoever  robs  or  rends  it,  malison 

Of  very  deed  upon  High  God  is  casting, 
Who  hallowed  it  to  purpose  of  His  own. 

For  tasting  it,  in  pain  and  longing  wasting 

Five  thousand  years  and  more,  the  first  soul  sighed 
For  Him  who  punisht  on  Himself  that  tasting. 

Thy  wit  must  slumber,  having  not  descried 
How  for  a  special  reason  passing  high 
Rises  the  Tree,  and  has  the  top  so  wide. 

And  did  thy  vain  conceits  not  petrify 

Like  Elsa  water  round  thy  mind,  were  not 
Their  joy  a  Pyramus  to  the  mulberry. 


Dante  Has  Forgotten  His  Estrangement     297 


So  many  circumstances  would  have  taught 
The  justice  of  the  interdict  Divine 
Upon  the  Tree,  symboUcally  wrought. 

But  though  I  see  that  intellect  of  thine 

Grown  stony,  and  so  windowless  and  bUnd 
To  radiance  wherewith  my  teachings  shine. 

Yet,  if  unwritten,  painted  on  the  mind. 

Pray  bear  them,  by  what  token  palmers  do 
Their    staves    with    frondage    of    the   palm    en- 
twined/'— 

And  I:  "As  to  the  seal  the  wax  is  true, 

Holding  the  form  and  pressure  evermore. 
So  is  my  memory  now  stampt  by  you. 

But  why  do  your  desired  words  outsoar 
The  utmost  pinion  of  my  sight,  that  so 
I  fail  of  them,  the  more  I  strive  therefor?" — 

"It  is,"  she  said,  "to  enable  thee  to  know 

The  school  that  thou  hast  followed, — to  display 
How  lamely  it  can  follow  where  I  go; 

And  that  thou  mayst  perceive  your  human  way 
As  far  from  the  Divine,  as  is  remote 
From    Earth    the   Heaven   that    highest   speeds 
away." — 

Whereat  I  answered  her:  "I  have  forgot 
That  ever  I  estranged  myself  from  you; 
And  qualms  of  conscience  for  it  have  I  not.** — 

"And  if  it  has  been  blotted  from  thy  view. 

Now  recollect,"  her  smiling  answer  went, 
"How  thou  hast  drunk  of  Lethe  but  anew; 

So  that,  if  smoke  of  fire  is  argument. 

Thus  to  forget  affords  clear  evidence 
Of  error  in  thy  will  elsewhere  intent. 

Be  that  as  may,  my  oracles  from  hence 

Shall  be  unveiled,  far  as  to  lay  them  bare 
May  be  not  unbefitting  thy  rude  sense." — 


Par.  xxvi, 
115-123 


In  remembrance 
of  the  pil- 
grimage 


The  penetrating 
intellect  of 
Dante  must  have 
more  than  dis- 
trusted the 
jejune  scholas- 
tic philosophy 


298  Purgatorio 

With  slower  paces  and  with  greater  glare 
The  sun  in  the  meridian  circle  glowed, 
That  with  the  point  of  view  shifts  here  and  there. 
When, — as  is  wont  to  halt  upon  his  road 
Whoever  as  a  Leader  goes  before. 
Finding  strange  thing  or  vestige, — so  abode 
The  seven  ladies  by  a  shadowy  shore: 

Green  foliage  and  glooming  branches  throw 
Such  shadow  over  mountain  torrents  frore. 
In  front,  methought  I  saw  Euphrates  flow 
And  Tigris,  from  a  single  starting-place. 
And  separate,  like  friends  at  parting  slow. 
"O  Ught,  O  glory  of  the  human  race ! 

What  flood  is  this  that  gushes  here  away 
Out  of  one  fount,  and  separates  apace?" — 
To  such  a  prayer  reply  was  made  me:  "Pray 

Matilda  that  she  tell." — As  one  who  scatters 
Suspicion  of  some  fault  imputed:  "Nay," 
Canto  xxviii.       Said  the  fair  Lady, — ^'^this  and  other  matters 
ing  lines      ^  Were  told  him  by  myseK,  and  sure  am  I 

That  they  were  not  concealed  by  Lethe  waters  " — 
And  Beatrice:*  "Perchance  some  care  more  high, 
Which  often  renders  inward  vision  dim. 
May  have  bereft  him  of  his  memory. 
But  lo!  where  Eunoe  doth  overbrim; 

Lead  thither,  and  with  wonted  aid  of  thine, 
Let  fainting  virtue  be  revived  in  him." — 
Like  gentle  spirit  that  would  not  decline. 
But  willingly  makes  other  will  her  care. 
Whenever  that  is  manifest  by  sign. 
So,  laying  hold  on  me,  the  Lady  fair 
Evidentiy  the  Moved  forward,  and  with  grace  all  womanly 

fhrfe'Puotihe  ^o  Statius  said:  "Do  thou  come  with  him  there."— 

Poem  to  be  of      Were  ampler  space,  O  Reader,  left  to  me 
ZfJ^dighay  Fo"-  siting,  I  would  sing  in  partial  strain 

gone  beyond  the  Sweet  draughts  whereof  I  ne'er  would  sated  be; 


Dante  Drinks  Remembrance  of  Good      299 

But  since  all  sheets  are  full  that  I  ordain  HmU  set  by  the 

This  Second  Canticle  of  mine  unto,  incomparably 

mi       1.     •   1-  I.  1  1  .  terse  Inferno 

The  discipline  of  art  now  draws  the  rem. 

From  that  most  holy  water  I  withdrew 

Reanimated,  like  new  plants  that  are 

Renewed  again  with  leafage  ever  new. 
Pure  and  prepared  to  mount  from  star  to  star. — 


PARADISO 


Ascent  of  Dante  with  Beatrice 

Pervades  the  universe  the  glory  of  Him  Prologue,             \ 

Who  moveth  all,  and  shineth  more  intense  '*"''*  ^*^^^          \ 

In  one  part,  in  another  region  dim.  \ 

Within  the  Heaven  that  of  his  effluence 

Partaketh  most,  I  found  myself,  discerning  : 

Things  which  no  tongue  can  tell,  descending  thence;  \ 

Because  the  mind,  approaching  its  own  yearning. 

Plunges  engulfed  in  so  profound  a  sea,  ] 

That  for  the  memory  is  no  returning.  \ 

Nathless,  whatever  in  my  memory  The  maMer  of        \ 

I  could  entreasure  of  the  Kingdom  blest,  ^^  '^               \ 

Henceforth  the  matter  of  my  song  shall  be.  i 

O  good  Apollo!  for  the  final  quest  Invocation  to         \ 

Inform  me  with  thy  power,  till  I  be  found  ^                     ' 

Fit  for  the  laurel  which  thou  lovest  best.  ^ 

So  far  one  summit  of  Parnassus  bound  ! 
All  my  desire,  but  now  the  twain  beneath. 

Needs  must  I  enter  the  last  wrestling-ground.  ; 

Into  my  bosom  enter  thou,  and  breathe  ■ 

As  when  thou  didst  pluck  Marsyas  amain  i 

And  from  the  scabbard  of  his  limbs  unsheathe.  1 

O  Power  Divine,  if  thou  wilt  lend  me  a  strain  - 

Such  as  may  body  forth  the  Realm  above  ] 
Whose  shadowy  vestige  lingers  in  my  brain, 

Shalt  see  me  to  the  laurel  of  thy  love  j 
To  crown  me  with  those  leaves,  a  pilgrim  come, 

Wreath  which  thy  theme  shall  make  me  worthy  of.  j 

So  seldom.  Father,  do  we  gather  some 

For  triumph  or  of  bard  or  emperor, — 

Of  human  wills  fault  and  opprobrium, —  ; 
301 


302 


Paradiso 


Influence  of 
the  sun  at  the 
Vernal  Equi- 
nox, when  the 
circles  of  the 
Equator,  the 
Zodiac,  the 
Equinoctial 
Colure  cross  the 
circle  of  the 
Horizon 

"Here^  refers 
to  Italy: 
"yonder'^  to 
the  Summit  of 
Purgatory 


Earthly 
Paradise 


Ascent  through 
the  Sphere  of 
Fire 


That  the  Peneian  frond  should  all  the  more 
In  the  glad  Delphic  God  enkindle  joy. 
When  it  sets  any  one  athirst  therefor. 

From  little  spark  beacons  great  flame  on  high: 
Perchance  for  me  with  voices  more  elate 
Shall  prayer  arise,  that  Cyrrha  may  reply. — 

Rises  to  mortals  up  through  many  a  gate 

The  lantern  of  the  world;  but  from  that  line 
Wherein  four  circles  with  three  crosses  meet, 

With  better  course  and  in  a  better  sign 

It  issues  forth,  and  stamps  with  imprint  clear 
And  tempers  the  world's  wax  to  its  design. 

Almost  this  gate  had  made  it  evening  here 
And  morning  yonder;  there  was  all  aglow 
And  darkness  covered  this  our  hemisphere. 

When,  turned  about  toward  the  left-hand,  lo! 
Beatrice  who  was  gazing  on  the  sun: 
Never  did  eagle  fasten  on  it  so. 

And  just  as  ever  from  the  former  one 

Issues  a  second  ray  and  upward  flies. 

Like  pilgrim  turning  homeward,  journey  done. 

So  did  her  act,  informing  through  the  eyes 
Mine  own  imagination,  give  me  grace 
To  fix  the  sun  beyond  our  wonted  wise. 

Much  is  permitted  yonder,  in  this  place 

Debarred  our  powers,  thanks  to  the  spot,  of  yore 
Fashioned  and  fitted  for  the  human  race. 

This  not  so  long  nor  little  yet  I  bore, 

But  that  I  saw  it  sparkling  round  me  nigh 
As  iron  pours  molten  from  the  furnace  door; 

And  of  a  sudden  day  to  day  thereby 

Seemed  to  be  added,  as  if  He  who  can 
Had  with  another  sun  adorned  the  sky. 

Fixed  where  the  everlasting  circles  ran 

Were  the  rapt  eyes  of  Beatrice,  and  mine 
Withdrawn  from  Heaven  were  turned  her  own  to 
scan. 


Music  in  Sphere  of  Fire  303 

•i 

Gazing  at  her,  I  grew  within  divine 

Like  Glaucus,  tasting  of  the  herb  and  thence  ^ 

Peer  of  the  other  gods  beneath  the  brine.  < 

No  word  transhumanizing  represents :  ] 

The  example  then  to  him  sufficient  be 

Whom  Grace  reserves  for  hke  experience. 
If  I  was  merely  what  Thou  recently  \ 

Createdst,  Love,  who  governest  the  skies,  ' 

Thou  knowest,  who  with  Thy  light  upliftedst  me!  ] 

Now  when  the  wheel  Thou  dost  eternalize  J 

By  being  desired,  made  me  on  it  intent  t 

By  music  Thou  dost  tune  and  harmonize. 
So  kindled  then  appeared  the  firmament  The  Spheral 

By  the  sun*s  flame,  that  never  rain  nor  stream         ^usic 

Flowed  over  into  a  lake  of  such  extent.  j 

The  newness  of  the  sound  and  the  great  gleam  ^ 

Kindled  my  wish  their  causes  to  assign  ] 

To  poignant  longing,  never  so  extreme.  , 

Whence  she,  who  could  my  question  well  divine. 

The  perturbation  of  my  mind  to  lull. 

Parted  her  lips  and  took  the  words  from  mine,  i 

Beginning  thus :  "How  dost  thou  make  thee  dull  First  words  • 

With  false  imagination,  not  perceiving  ^■'  ^^'^^  j 

What  would  be  clear  wert  thou  less  fanciful.  j 

No  longer  art  thou  on  earth,  though  so  believing,  J 

But  lightning  from  its  region  never  flew  ] 

Such  flight  as  thou,  thy  proper  home  retrieving." —  i 

If  disencumbered  of  my  first  doubt  through  ] 

Such  little  words  as  these,  more  smiled  than  phrased,  1 

I  was  the  more  benetted  with  a  new,  I 

And  said:  "I  almost  ceased  to  be  amazed;  ^ 

But  now  is  wonder  upon  wonder  piled  ! 

How  through  these  lightsome  bodies  I  am  raised." —  \ 

Then  she  began,  with  sigh  of  pity  mild,  I 

Bending  her  eyes  upon  me  with  such  glance  j 

As  mother  casts  on  her  delirious  child: 


304 


Paradiso 


The  harmony 
of  the  universe 


'^Descent  and 
fall  to  lis  is 
adverse" 


"All  things  whatever  observe  ordinance 

Among  themselves;  here  doth  that  form  prevail 
Which  keeps  the  world  with  God  in  consonance. 

Here  creatures  high  are  hot  upon  the  trail 
Of  the  Eternal  Worth,  which  is  the  goal 
Whereto  the  rule  fore-mentioned  doth  impel. 

The  ordinance  in  question  doth  control 

All  natures,  which  through  fates  of  different  sorts 
Neighbor,  both  near  and  far,  their  Primal  Soul; 

Wherefore  they  shape  their  course  to  different  ports 
Of  the  vast  sea  of  being, — each  with  boon 
Of  instinct  that  informs  it  and  supports. 

This  bears  away  the  fire  toward  the  moon. 

This  force  doth  mortal  hearts  forever  move. 
This  bind  the  earth  together  and  attune. 

Not  merely  things  created  empty  of 

Intelligence,  this  mighty  crossbow  hurls. 
But  those  endowed  with  intellect  and  love. 

The  Providence  that  shapes  all  ends,  enfurls 

That  Heaven  in  dateless  quiet  with  its  light, 
Wherein  that  sphere  which  is  most  speedy,  whirls. 

And  thither  now,  as  to  appointed  site. 
Bears  us  along  the  vigor  of  that  cord 
Which  aims  at  happy  mark  its  arrow-flight. 

As  character  does  not  indeed  accord 

At  all  times  with  the  artisan's  intent, 
The  stuff  being  deaf  to  the  creative  word. 

So  may  the  creature  from  the  course  he  went. 

Though  thus  impelled,  as  free  will  may  inspire, 
IncUne  sometimes  to  follow  other  bent 

(In  the  same  manner  as  we  see  the  fire 

Fall  from  the  cloud),  if  down  to  earth  amiss 

Be  wrenched  the  primal  thrust  through  false  desire. 

Thou  shouldst  not  wonder,  judge  I  well  of  this. 
At  thy  ascending,  more  than  at  a  rill 
Plunging  to  foot  of  lofty  precipice. 


All  Natures  Tend  Godward  305 

A  marvel  it  would  be  if  with  thy  will 

Unclogged,  thou  wert  to  settle  to  the  base, 
As  if  on  earth  a  living  fire  were  still." — 

Thereon  tow'rd  heaven  she  turned  again  her  face. 


306 


Paradiso 


The  warning 


The  promise 


Order  of  verbs 
reversed  to 
suggest 
instantaneous 
action 


Heaven  of  the 
Moon 


II 

Heaven  of  the  Moon 

0  ye  who  in  your  little  bark  till  now, 

Eager  for  listening,  have  made  your  way 
Behind  my  vessel  with  the  singing  prow. 

Turn  to  your  native  shore  while  yet  ye  may: 
Do  not  put  out  to  sea,  lest  haply  there 
By  losing  me,  ye  should  remain  astray. 

None  ever  coursed  the  water  where  I  fare : 
Minerva  breathes,  Apollo  pilots  me. 
And  all  nine  Muses  point  me  to  the  Bear. 

Ye  other  few,  with  neck  stretcht  yearningly 
For  bread  of  angels  whereon  ye  are  fain 
To  live  while  here,  nor  ever  sated  be, — 

Your  ship  may  well  put  out  upon  the  main, 
Following  close  upon  my  wake  before 
The  salt-sea  water  returns  smooth  again. 

Those  glorious  ones  at  Colchis  who  of  yore 

Saw  Jason  made  a  plowman,  no  such  burning 
Amazement  felt,  that  ye  shall  not  feel  more. 

The  concreate  and  everlasting  yearning 

For  the  Realm  Deiform  bore  us  well-nigh 

As  swiftly  as  moves  heaven  to  your  discerning. 

1  gazed  on  Beatrice,  and  she  on  high : 

And  in  such  time  perchance  as  crossbow  shot 
Alights  and  is  unloosened  and  let  fly, 

I  found  myself  arrived  where  sight  was  caught 
Compulsively  by  something  marvelous: 
Whence,  since  my  doing  could  be  hidden  not 

From  her,  she  faced  me,  blithe  as  beauteous : 

"Lift  up  thy  grateful  mind  to  God !"  she  said, 
"Who  with  the  prime  star  has  united  us." — 

Around  us  there  appeared  to  me  to  spread 

A  cloud  smooth,  dense,  consolidate,  and  bright 
Like  diamond  whereon  the  sun  is  shed. 


S^ots  in  the  Moon 


307 


Into  the  pearl  of  everlasting  white 

We  glided,  even  as  water  though  unstirred 
Is  penetrated  by  a  ray  of  light. 

If  I  was  body  (and  here  it  seems  absurd 

That  one  bulk  brookt  another,  as  must  be 
If  body  into  body  glide !)  more  spurred 

Should  be  the  longing  of  our  hearts  to  see 

That  Essence  where  we  shall  behold  the  plan 
Of  our  own  nature  blent  with  Deity. 

There  shall  be  seen  what  now  by  faith  we  scan. 
Not  proved,  but  primal  truth  self-evident 
And  by  direct  cognition  held  by  man. 

I  answered:  "Lady,  with  devout  intent 

I  render  thanks  to  Him  who  did  ordain 
That  from  the  mortal  world  I  should  be  sent. 

But  tell  me,  what  those  dusky  marks  which  stain 
This  body,  whereby  on  earth  below  the  while 
People  are  prone  to  fable  about  Cain?" — 

"And  if,"  she  answered  with  a  little  smile, 
"Where  key  of  sense  effects  no  opening 
Mortal  opinion  may  so  far  beguile. 

Surely  the  shafts  of  wonder  should  not  sting 
Thee  longer,  since  even  following  the  sense 
Thou  seest  that  reason  has  too  short  a  wing. 

But  tell  me,  what  is  thine  own  inference?" — 

And  I:  "Me thinks  what  here  seems  different 
Is  brought  about  by  bodies  rare  and  dense." — 

"Well  shalt  thou  see  what  credence  thou  hast  lent 
To  error,"  she  answered,  "giving  heed  unto 
What  I  adduce  in  counter-argument. 

The  Eighth  sphere  shows  forth  many  a  Kght  to  you 
Which  in  their  quantity  and  in  their  kind 
May  be  observed  from  different  points  of  view. 

If  only  rare  and  dense  herein  combined. 
One  single  virtue  in  all  were  absolute. 
Now  more,  now  less,  now  equally  assigned. 


Mystery  of  the 
union  of  the 
human  with  the 
Divine 


Spots  in  the 
Moon 


The  smile  of 
Beatrice 


Dante's  former 
ojnnion 


The  correct  view  \ 

{scholastic  rea-  j 

soning)  \ 

For  the  argu-  \ 

ment  here  see  \ 
note  at  end  of 

this  canto  \ 


308  Paradiso 

But  Virtue  different  must  needs  be  fruit 

Of  fundamental  forms,  and  these,  save  one, 
Thy  reasoning  would  pluck  up  by  the  root. 

Besides,  if  rarity  produced  that  dun 

Thou  mootest,  or  this  planet  through  and  through 
Is  perforated,  leaving  matter  none. 

Or  otherwise,  as  fleshly  bodies  do 

The  fat  and  lean  apportion,  so  would  this 
Alternate  leaves  within  its  book  renew. 

Supposing  true  the  first  hypothesis. 

The  sunlight  in  eclipse  would  be  descried 
Right  through,  as  through  whatever  orifice. 

This  false,  consider  we  the  other  side. 

And  if  I  chance  to  find  an  error  there 
Then  thy  opinion  will  be  falsified. 

Now  if  this  rareness  find  no  thoroughfare. 

There  needs  must  be  some  limit  hindering 
The  counter-penetration  of  the  rare; 

Thence  will  the  ray  of  other  body  spring 
Reverberated  backward,  in  such  kind 
As  back  from  leaded  glass  comes  coloring. 

But  thou  wilt  say  that  here  appears  more  blind 
The  radiance  than  in  regions  othersome. 
From  being  reflected  further  from  behind. 
The  Experi-        Such  an  objection  may  be  overcome 
ZdJtmeihod)  ExperimentaUy,  if  thou  wouldst  try 

That  fountain  of  all  human  masterdom. 

Take  mirrors  three,  and  two  of  them  set  by 
At  equal  distance,  and  between  the  twain 
The  other  further  off,  before  thine  eye. 

Turning  toward  them,  let  a  light  remain 

Behind  thy  back,  kindling  the  mirrors  three 
And  smitten  by  them  all  to  thee  again. 

Whereas  the  further  light  will  seem  to  thee 
Less  ample  as  to  size,  yet  will  it  show 
An  equal  luster,  of  necessity. 


Heavenly  Influences  Modified  309 

Now,  even  as  the  ground  beneath  the  snow 

Is  stript  of  previous  color  and  of  cold 

Beneath  the  beating  of  the  warm  rays,  so 

Thy  mind,  being  stript  of  error  fold  on  fold.  Influences  of           < 

Will  I  inform  with  light  so  crystalline  ^^«  *P^^«*              ; 

That  it  shall  quiver  now  thou  canst  behold.  j 

Within  the  Heaven  that  harbors  Peace  Divine  Primum  mobile       ] 

Circles  a  body  in  whose  virtue  lies  j 

The  being  of  whatever  it  enshrine.  i 

The  following  heaven,  which  has  so  many  eyes.  Fixed  stars            I 

Imparts  that  being  through  various  types,  and  these  ] 

Distinct  from  it,  which  yet  it  doth  comprise.  \ 

The  other  spheres  in  different  degrees  ] 

Dispose  of  their  distinctive  elements  j 

According  to  their  seeds  and  purposes. 
Thou  seest  these  universal  instruments 

Thus  drawing  from  above,  while  raining  down  i 

From  grade  to  lower  grade  their  influence.  '< 

Look  at  me  finding  pathway  for  thine  own  ; 

Arrival  at  the  truth  thou  art  fain  to  scan,  ^ 

And  know  henceforth  to  keep  the  ford  alone !  ' 

The  breath  of  blessed  Movers  needs  must  fan  Celestial  in-           j 

Motion  and  influence  of  holy  sphere,  telhgences               ^ 

As  craft  of  hammer  moves  by  artisan.  > 

And  that  same  Heaven  the  many  Ughts  make  fair,  j 

From  the  Deep  Mind  that?gives  it  whirl  and  thrust  '^ 

So  takes  the  image  and  so  seals  it  there.  j 

And  as  the  soul  within  your  human  dust  - 

Makes  different  members  work  in  unison,  \ 

Distributed  through  each  in  measure  just, 

So  doth  the  Mind  deploy  its  benison  j 

Multiplied  through  the  starry  firmament,  - 

But  turns  upon  Itself,  remaining  One. 

Each  different  power  makes  mixture  different  -^ 

With  precious  body  rendered  quick  thereby,  1 

Wherewith,  like  life  within  you,  it  is  blent.  j 


310  Paradiso 

By  glad  endowment  of  the  Nature  High, 

This  mingled  virtue  through  the  body  glows, 
As  gladness  Hghts  the  pupil  of  the  eye. 

From  this  proceeds  whatever  difference  shows 

'Twixt  light  and  light,  and  not  from  rare  and  dense ; 
This  is  the  intrinsic  principle  whence  flows 

The  dark  and  bright,  as  by  its  excellence." — 


Note 

The  astrological  theory  of  the  time  was  that  the  starry  heavens, 
although  of  one  substance,  vary  in  quantity  and  kind,  and  to  these 
differences  correspond  the  diverse  influences  they  are  supposed  to 
exercise  on  the  earth  and  on  human  affairs.  The  same  principle, 
it  is  argued,  must  apply  to  the  spots  in  the  moon.  These  appear- 
ances proceed  from  causes  much  deeper  than  mere  rarity  and  density. 


Glimmering  Faces 


311 


III 

Spirits  of  Women  in  the  Lunar  Heaven 

The  sun  that  erst  with  love  had  warmed  my  breast 
Had  now  the  fair  sweet  face  of  truth,  by  proof 
And  refutation,  rendered  manifest; 

And  to  confess,  so  far  as  was  behoof, 

Myself  corrected  thus  and  confident. 
My  head  for  speech  was  lifted  more  aloof. 

But  something  gleamed  on  me,  whence  so  intent 
To  gaze  thereon  my  baffled  vision  grew, 
That  my  confession  out  of  memory  went. 

As  through  transparent  polisht  glass,  or  through 
Still  and  pellucid  waters,  of  too  mean 
A  depth  to  have  the  bottom  lost  to  view. 

Come  back  the  contours  of  our  faces,  seen 
So  pallidly  that  pearl  on  forehead  white 
Is  caught  as  quickly  if  the  eye  is  keen, — 

Such  faces,  fain  for  speaking,  came  to  sight; 
Whence  I  in  counter-error  fell  thereby 
To  what  befell  the  fount-enamored  wight. 

The  instant  that  aware  of  them  was  I, — 
Reflected  images  by  my  surmise, — 
To  see  of  whom  they  were,  I  turned  mine  eye; 

But,  seeing  nothing,  went  with  my  surprise 

Straight  to  the  light  of  her,  my  Leader  sweet. 
Whence  smiling  kindled  in  her  holy  eyes. 

She  said:  "No  wonder  if  with  smiles  I  meet 
This  exhibition  of  thy  childish  mind 
Unwilling  yet  to  truth  to  trust  its  feet. 

But  turns  thee  back  in  vain,  after  its  kind. 

True  substances  are  what  thou  dost  perceive. 
Here  for  some  forfeiture  of  vows  assigned. 

WTience  talk  with  them,  and  listen,  and  believe; 

For  that  which  gives  them  peace,  the  one  true  Fire, 
Suffers  their  feet  its  purlieu  not  to  leave." 


Heaven  of  the 
Moon 


Marvelous 
vision:  Dante 
mistakes  spirits 
for  reflected 
images 


The  smile  of 
Beatrice 


312 


Paradiso 


Dante  addresses 
the  spirit 


Piccarda  Donati 
{see  Purgatorio 
xxiv,  near  the 
beginning;  also 
the  prediction  of 
the  fate  of  Corso 
Donati  in  same 
canto) 


Remiss  in  exe- 
cution of  vows 


Degrees  of 
beatitude 


And  to  that  shade  who  seemed  most  to  require 
Question  with  me,  began  I,  tow*rd  it  bended 
Like  one  bewildered  by  too  great  desire: 

"O  spirit  born  to  bUss,  with  radiance  blended 
Of  life  eterne  in  sweet  felicity 
That,  tasted  not,  is  never  comprehended, 

Thou  wilt  be  gracious  to  content  in  me 

The  craving  for  thy  name,  and  for  your  lot." — 
Whereon  with  smiling  eyes  and  promptly,  she : 

"To  just  desire  our  charity  doth  not 

Deny  the  door,  more  than  His  love  doth  so 
Who  wills  His  Court  all  in  His  image  wrought. 

I  was  a  virgin  sister  there  below; 

And  if  thou  recollect,  it  will  appear 

That  greater  beauty  doth  not  hide  me:  know 

I  am  Piccarda,  relegated  here 

Together  with  these  others  who  are  blest, 
And  myself  blessed  in  the  slowest  sphere. 

All  our  affections,  kindled  as  may  best 

Conform  to  pleasure  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
Rejoice  being  fashioned  after  His  behest. 

And  this  low-seeming  lot  that  we  inherit, 
Is  given  to  us  because  we  did  our  vow 
Make  in  some  manner  void,  or  did  defer  it." — 

"Your  wondrous  faces  shine,  I  know  not  how," 
Was  my  reply,  "with  some  diviner  grace. 
Transmuting  them  from  what  we  knew  ere  now; 

Whence  was  my  memory  of  laggard  pace; 

But  what  thou  tellest  helps  me  to  make  clear 
Thy  features  which  now  better  I  retrace. 

But  tell  me,  ye  whose  blessedness  is  here. 
Do  ye  desire  a  loftier  place  above 
To  grow  in  vision  or  become  more  dear?" — 

Her  flitting  smile  lit  up  the  faces  of 

Those  others;  then  she  spoke  so  blithesomely 
She  seemed  to  kindle  with  first  fire  of  love: 


Piccarda 


313 


"Brother,  the  influence  of  charity- 
Contents  our  will,  alone  solicitous 
For  what  we  have, — ^no  craving  else  have  we. 

Did  we  desire  a  place  more  glorious. 

Then  our  desires  would  be  at  variance 
With  will  of  Him  who  here  assigneth  us; 

These  circles  have  no  room  for  dissonance. 
As  thou  shalt  see,  for  herein  love  is  fate. 
If  thou  behold  its  nature  not  askance. 

Nay,  'tis  the  essence  of  this  blessed  state 
To  dwell  within  the  Will  Divine  alone. 
Whereby  our  wills  with  His  participate. 

So  that  throughout  this  realm,  from  zone  to  zone. 
We  pleasure  the  whole  realm  without  surcease. 
And  please  the  King  who  in  wills  us  with  His  Own; 

His  will  is  consummation  of  our  peace; 

And  everything  is  moving  to  that  sea, — 
All  it  creates  as  nature  gives  increase.'' — 

Then  only  was  the  truth  made  clear  to  me 
That  everywhere  in  Heaven  is  Paradise 
Where  Grace  Supreme  rains  not  in  one  degree. 

But,  as  will  happen,  should  one  food  entice. 

Other  than  that  wherewith  we  have  been  fed. 
Returning  thanks  for  that,  we  crave  for  this. 

Such  was  my  case  in  what  I  did  and  said 

Seeking  to  learn  what  web  it  was  whereof 
She  had  not  drawn  the  shuttle  to  the  head. 

"Life  perfect  and  high  worth  enheaven  above," 
She  said  thereto,  "a  Lady  among  the  blest. 
Under  whose  rule  in  your  world  women  love 

To  robe  and  veil,  till  death  to  watch  and  rest 
Beside  that  Spouse,  accepter  and  rewarder 
Of  vows  which  love  conforms  to  His  request. 

To  follow  her,  of  maiden  weeds  discarder. 

Fleeing  the  world  and  in  her  habit  dressing, 
I  pledged  me  to  the  pathway  of  her  Order. 


"La  sua  volon- 
fate  e  nostra 


Santa  Clara 
qf  Assisi 


314  Paradiso 

Violence  done  to  Thereafter  men  more  used  to  ban  than  blessing 
ctl7%nlti  Ravisht  me  from  the  cloister  sweet:   God  knoweth 

What  my  life  then,  without  mine  own  confessing. 
This  other  splendor  on  my  right  who  showeth 
Her  beauty  to  thee,  luminously  burning 
With  all  the  hght  that  in  our  circle  gloweth. 
The  great  Con-    Takes  to  herself  these  words  myself  concerning: 
telreT^^'' ^-^  A  sister  she,  and  so  from  her  was  riven 

Frederick  The  Veil  by  hands  its  holy  shadow  spurning. 

But  when  she  back  into  the  world  was  driven 
Despite  her  wish  and  wont  legitimate. 
She  never  from  her  heart  the  veil  had  given. 
The  three  blasts    This  is  the  radiance  of  Constance  great, 
Fr^eMBar^  Who  to  the  Second  Blast  of  Swabia 

barossa,  Henry  Bore  the  Third  Puissance,  and  ultimate." — 

ick  II  (one  Zf  ^°  spake  she,  and  in  chant  began  to  say 
the  most  inter-  Ave  Maria,  and  chanting  from  me  stole 

hiTlMurx^{  As  through  deep  water  sinks  a  weight  away. 

For  the  fate  of     My  vision,  straining  to  pursue  that  soul 
Manfred! see  ^^  ^^  Utmost,  when  she  vanish t  into  bliss, 

P^^9-  *"  Turned  to  the  mark  of  a  more  longed-for  goal. 

Reverting  wholly  round  to  Beatrice; 

But  such  a  lightning  flasht  she  on  my  look 
That  first  my  sight  endured  it  not;  and  this 
So  gave  me  pause  that  question  I  forsook. 


Perplexing  Questions 


315 


IV 

Solution  of  Perplexing  Questions 

Between  two  foods  alike  to  appetite 

And  like  afar,  a  free  man,  I  suppose. 
Would  starve  before  of  either  he  would  bite; 

So  would  a  lamb,  between  the  hungry  throes 
Of  two  fierce  wolves,  feel  equipoise  of  dread. 
So  hesitate  a  hound  between  two  does. 

Whence  by  my  doubts  alike  solicited 

By  sheer  necessity,  blame  can  be  none 
Nor  commendation,  if  I  nothing  said. 

And  I  said  nothing;  but  desire  upon 

My  face  was  pictured,  questioning  as  well. 
Set  forth  more  fervently  than  words  had  done. 

Beatrice  did  as  once  did  Daniel 

Taking  Nebuchadnezzar's  wrath  away. 
Which  first  had  rendered  him  unjustly  fell. 

And  said:  "I  see  how  two  desires  have  play. 
Each  so  compelhng  that  the  eagerness 
Stifles  the  very  breath  of  what  'twould  say. 

Thou  urgest:   *By  what  justice  can  duress 
Imposed  by  others,  if  persist  good  will. 
Render  the  measure  of  my  merit  less.?' 

Perplexes  thee  another  question  still: 

'Do  souls  rejoin  the  stars,  as  it  would  seem. 
And  the  idea  of  Plato  thus  fulfill?' 

These  questions  balance  equally  the  beam 
Of  thy  desire;  and  therefore  will  I  first 
Treat  that  which  is  in  venom  most  extreme. 

Not  he  of  Seraphs  most  in  God  immerst. 
Not  Moses,  Samuel,  nor  either  John 
Thou  choosest,  nor  yet  Mary,  I  say,  can  thirst 

In  any  other  heaven  to  have  their  throne 

Than  do  these  spirits  whom  thou  didst  discern. 
Nor  more  nor  fewer  years  of  being  own. 


A  canto  of 
scholastic  rea- 
soning 


Dilemma  of 
Buridan's  ass 


Beatrice  reads 
in  Dante's  face 
the  two  ques- 
tions 


AU  in  the 
same  Heaven 


316 


Paradiso 


The  appear- 
ances in  the 
various  spheres 
emblematic 


Plato' 


All  make  the  Primal  Circle  fair,  and  earn 

Life  of  sweet  bliss  in  different  measure  here. 
Through  feeling  more  or  less  the  breath  eteme. 

Not  as  allotted  here  did  they  appear 

Within  this  heaven,  but  as  a  sign  intending 
The  least  exalted  though  celestial  sphere. 

My  words  perforce  unto  your  wit  are  bending, 
Which  grasps  but  by  perception  of  the  sense 
What  then  it  worthy  makes  for  comprehending. 

The  Holy  Scriptures,  condescending  hence 

To  your  conceit,  with  foot  and  hand  endue 
The  Deity,  with  mystic  difference; 

And  Holy  Church  so  represents  to  you 

Michael  and  Gabriel  with  human  traits. 
And  the  other  who  gave  Tobit  health  anew. 

That  which  Timaeus  of  the  soul  debates 

Is  different  from  that  seen  here  so  far, — 
For  seemingly  he  thinks  it  as  he  states. 

He  says  the  soul  returns  to  its  own  star. 
Whence  nature  actuated  its  descent. 
Giving  it  in  the  flesh  an  avatar. 

And  in  his  doctrine  haply  more  is  meant 

Than  meets  the  ear,  and  may  have  sense  whereto 
Befits  it  not  to  be  irreverent. 

If,  for  the  influence  they  rain  on  you, 

He  means  one  must  approve  and  disapprove 
These  wheels,  perchance  his  bow  hits  something  true. 

This  principle,  ill  comprehended,  drove 

Almost  the  whole  world  formerly  astray 
In  naming  Mars  and  Mercury  and  Jove. 

The  other  dubitance  that  gives  thee  stay 
Empoisons  less,  for  its  malignity 
Could  never  lead  thee  from  myself  away. 

That  Justice  here  should  seem  unjust  to  be 
In  mortal  vision,  is  an  argument 
Of  faith,  not  heretic  iniquity. 


Can  the  Will  be  Forced?  317 

But  that  ye,  humanly  intelHgent, 

May  penetrate  into  this  truth  the  more. 

As  thou  desirest,  make  I  thee  content. 
If  it  were  violence  that  he  who  bore  Violence  done 

In  no  ^nse  aided  him  who  used  the  might,  ^  ^"^'^^  ^ 

These  souls  could  claim  no  pardon  on  that  score; 

For  will  is  never  quencht  in  will's  despite.  Due  to  laxity 

-n    •    1    . 1  ■  J    .1    •      n  which  abets 

But  doth  as  nature  ever  doth  m  fire. 

Though  hundred  tempests  buffet  left  and  right. 
For,  little  or  much  as  it  may  yield,  desire 

Abets  the  violence:  and  these  did  thus. 

Free  to  their  sanctuary  to  retire. 
Had  but  their  will  been  whole  and  vigorous. 

Like  that  which  fastened  Lawrence  to  his  grill 

And  ruthless  to  his  hand  made  Mucins, 
Then  up  the  road  whence  they  were  dragged,  their  will  Not  all  the 

Would  have  impelled  them,  soon  as  they  were  free;  martvrs 

But  all  too  rare  is  will  so  inflexible. 
And  by  these  words,  if  thou  hast  duteously 

Gathered  them  up,  is  quasht  the  argument 

That  would  yet  many  a  time  have  troubled  thee. 
But  now  another  cross-entanglement 

Puzzles  thine  eyes,  wherethrough  thou  couldst  not 
find 

An  issue  for  thyself,  until  forspent. 
I  have  for  certain  put  into  thy  mind 

That  never  could  speak  false  a  soul  in  bliss. 

Since  to  the  source  of  truth  forever  joined; 
Then  mayst  have  understood  Piccarda  amiss  Analysis  of  the 

That  Constance  to  the  veil  was  ever  true:  Piccardlabout 

So  that  she  seems  to  contradict  me  in  this.  Constance 

Many  a  time,  my  brother,  urged  thereto 

By  hope  of  scaping  peril,  under  stress. 

Men  have  done  what  they  ought  not,  would  not  do; 
Even  as  Alcmseon, — ^who  by  prayer  express 

Of  his  own  sire,  his  mother  life  refused, — 

Not  to  lose  piety,  grew  pitiless. 


318 


Paradiso 


Two  kinds 
of  toill 


Now  the  poet 
speaks 


Note  the 
^yourP  But 
to  a  being  really 
divine  "thou 
(thy)."  Com- 
pare St. 
Bernard's 
prayer  to  the 
Virgin  Mary 
(final  canto) 


Can  good  deeds 
make  amends 
for  broken  vows? 


Think,  pray,  when  come  to  this,  that  force  is  fused 
With  will  together,  and  so  the  two  are  blent 
That  the  offenses  cannot  be  excused. 

Will  absolute  doth  not  to  ill  consent: 

Consenting  just  so  far  as  it  may  rue. 
If  it  resist,  some  greater  detriment. 

Therefore  Piccarda,  saying  what  is  true. 
Means  absolute  volition;  I,  however. 
The  other, — ^whence  in  truth  agree  we  two." — 

Such  was  the  rippling  of  the  holy  river 

Out  of  the  fountain  whence  all  truth  flows  over, 
Setting  at  rest  both  my  desires  forever. 

"Divine  one,  O  belov'd  of  the  First  Lover," 

I  straightway  said,  "whose  words  are  in  me  burning 
And  flooding  till  I  life  on  life  recover. 

Not  deep  enough  the  channel  of  my  yearning 
For  thanks  of  mine  coequal  with  your  favor; 
Let  Him  reply  who  can  and  is  discerning! 

I  see  our  mind  unsated  still  with  savor 
Of  any  truth,  till  of  that  truth  aware 
Beyond  which  is  no  light  that  doth  not  waver. 

Therein  it  rests,  like  animal  in  lair 

When  it  attaineth;  and  it  can  attain. 
Else  frustrate  every  craving  for  it  were. 

Whence  like  a  shoot  doubt  ever  springs  again 

At  foot  of  truth;  and  so  from  height  to  height 
Doth  nature  urge  us  summitward  amain. 

This  doth  assurance  give  me,  this  invite 

To  ask  with  reverence  of  another  theme, 
O  Lady,  wherein  truth  is  dark  to  sight. 

Fain  would  I  know  if  man  may  ever  dream 
With  good  to  so  amend  vows  forfeited. 
They  shall  not  in  your  balance  kick  the  beam." — 

Beatrice  gazed  at  me  with  eyes  that  sped 
Flashes  of  love,  divine  of  radiance. 
So  that  my  vanquisht  force  of  vision  fled. 

And  I  became  as  lost,  with  bended  glance. 


Sacrifice  of  the  Will  Absolute  319 

V 

Vows  AND  Free  Will;  Ascent  to  the  Heaven  of 
Mercury 

"If  my  love  beam  upon  thee  blazing  hot 

Beyond  the  measure  that  is  absolute 

On  earth  regarded,  do  thou  marvel  not. 
Seeing  that  such  intensity  has  root 

In  perfect  vision,  which  doth  ever  move 

Toward  the  good  apprehended,  sure  of  foot. 
I  see  how  shines  already  from  above 

Into  thine  intellect  the  Eternal  Light 

That  needs  but  to  be  seen  to  kindle  love; 
And  if  some  other  thing  your  love  delight, 

Naught  is  it  but  some  vestige  of  that  same 

Effulgence,  comprehended  not  aright. 
Thou  askest  whether  men  for  vows  they  maim  Commutation  of 

May  pay  such  other  service  as  to  gain  '  ^  ^^^ 

Exemption  of  the  soul  from  any  claim?" — 
So  Beatrice  began  this  further  strain; 

And  even  as  one  discoursing,  who  would  not 

Break  off,  took  up  the  holy  theme  again : 
"The  gift  most  precious  to  Creative  Thought, 

Most  signal  of  God*s  bounties,  and  the  one 

After  the  pattern  of  his  goodness  wrought. 
Was  Freedom  of  the  Will, — a  benison  Free  will 

Wherewith  all  creatures  of  intelligence 

Both  were  and  are  endowed,  and  they  alone. 
Now  will  appear  to  thee  by  inference 

The  high  worth  of  the  vow  so  framed,  supposing 

That  with  thine  own  consenting,  Grod  consents; 
For,  between  God  and  man  the  bargain  closing,  The  vow  sacri- 

Of  what  I  call  this  treasure  an  oblation  ^'''  ^^  ^'" 

Is  made  in  sooth,  made  by  its  own  proposmg. 
What  may  be  offered  then  in  compensation? 

Weening  to  use  well  what  thou  offerest. 

Thou  seekest  for  thy  plunder  consecration. 


320 


Paradiso 


Tvx>  dements 
of  the  vow 


Cf.  Purg.  ix, 
117 


Cases  ojf 
Jephthah  and 
Agamemnon 


Now  art  thou  assured  concerning  the  main  quest: 
But  since  herein  doth  Holy  Church  acquit. 
Which  seems  against  the  truth  I  manifest. 

Thou  canst  not  choose  but  still  at  table  sit 

Awhile,  for  the  tough  viand  thou  hast  chewed 
Wants  further  aid  for  thy  digesting  it. 

Take  what  I  tell  thee  in  receptive  mood 
And  hold  it  fast;  it  is  the  very  vice 
Of  wit  to  lose  what  has  been  understood. 

Pertain  to  essence  of  this  sacrifice 

Two  elements:  one  what  it  treats  about. 
The  other  from  the  covenant  takes  rise. 

The  latter  never  can  be  canceled  out 
Save  by  fulfillment;  and  already  so 
I  spoke  about  it  as  to  banish  doubt; 

Hence  had  the  Hebrews  still  to  offer,  though 
Some  thing  whereof  the  sacrifice  was  made 
Might  be  commuted,  as  thou  shouldest  know. 

The  former,  which  as  matter  I  portrayed. 

May  well  be  such  that  no  offense  is  done 
If  with  some  other  matter  counterweighed. 

But  willfully  let  on  his  shoulder  none 

Shift  burden,  without  sanction  of  the  Power 
That  turns  the  white  key  and  the  yellow  one. 

And  folly  all  commuting  deem,  before 

The  thing  remitted  in  the  thing  ye  essay 
Shall  be  contained,  as  in  the  six  the  four. 

Therefore  whatever  by  its  worth  may  weigh 
So  much  as  can  make  every  balance  swing, 
Can  never  be  redeemed  with  other  pay. 

Let  men  deem  not  the  vow  a  trifling  thing: 
Be  loyal,  and  in  being  so  not  blind 
As  Jephthah  was  in  his  first  offering, 

Who  did  worse  honoring  the  vow  unkind, 

But  should  have  said:  *I  sinned';  like  foolish  plight 
The  mighty  leader  of  the  Greeks  entwined, 


Heaven  of  Mercury                      321  ■ 

Whence  rued  Iphigenia  her  beauty  bright,  \ 

And  made  for  her  both  wise  and  simple  rue,  \ 

So  many  as  hear  report  of  such  a  rite!  j 

Christians,  be  graver  in  your  moving;  do  Applicatum  of       'i 

Not  featherUke  to  every  wind  consent,  ^^  ^^'^              ] 

And  ween  not  every  water  washes  you.  5 

Ye  have  the  Old  and  the  New  Testament,  , 

The  Shepherd  of  the  Church  to  shape  your  aim:  '^ 

Therewith  for  your  salvation  be  content.  ] 

If  sorry  greed  aught  else  to  you  proclaim,  I 

Be  men,  and  be  not  silly  sheep,  that  so  < 

The  Jew  among  you  laugh  you  not  to  shame.  \ 

Behave  not  like  the  lamb  who  doth  forgo  : 

The  mother's  milk,  and  wantonly  delight  ; 
In  making  of  himself  a  mimic  foe.^' — 

Thus  Beatrice  to  me,  just  as  I  write;  \ 

Then  all  in  longing  up  to  that  expanse  1 

Where  most  the  world  is  quickened,  turned  her  sight.  i 

Her  silence  and  transfigured  countenance  i 
Imposed  like  silence  on  my  eager  wit. 

Though  ready  with  new  questions  to  advance.  ' 

And  as  the  mark  is  by  the  arrow  smit  SUpjnng  into 

Before  the  cord  forgets  to  quiver,  thus  mJ^c^^  ""^ 

Into  the  Second  Kingdom  did  we  flit.  ^ 

I  saw  my  Lady  there  so  rapturous  I 

As  to  the  luster  of  that  heaven  she  drew  *■ 
That  even  the  planet  grew  more  luminous. 

And  if  the  laughing  star  was  altered  too,  ' 

What  then  became  I,  by  my  native  mood  i 

Ever  susceptible  to  something  new!  ] 

As  in  clear  pool  where  the  still  fishes  brood.  The  approach        ^ 

Aught  dropping  in  impels  the  finny  drove  ^-^  '*"^  *^"^        ^ 

To  dart  toward  it,  deeming  it  their  food,  | 

So  saw  I  there  a  thousand  splendors  move  1 
To  meet  our  coming,  and  every  one  was  hymning: 

"Behold  one  who  will  multiply  our  love." —  \ 


322  Paradiso 

And  every  shade  of  them,  now  nearer  swimming. 
Appeared  as  with  effulgent  glory  fraught 
Streaming  out  of  its  rapture  overbrimming. 

If  what  is  here  begun  proceeded  not, 

Think,  Reader,  what  an  agonizing  dearth 

Of  knowing  more  would  be  within  thee  wrought; 

And  from  thyseK  infer  how  these  gave  birth 

To  yearning  in  me  to  hear  each  circumstance 
Concerning  them,  when  they  revealed  their  worth. 
Danie  is  "O  happy-born,  whom  sovran  Grace  thus  grants 

5piw/     ^  ^  '^^  ^^^  ^^^  thrones  triumphant  and  eterne 

Ere  thou  abandonest  thy  militance, 

By  light  that  ranges  through  all  heaven  we  burn 
Enkindled  so;  and  therefore,  if  thou  please. 
Content  thy  heart  with  light  from  out  our  urn." — 

One  of  the  souls  devout  spoke  words  like  these 
To  me;  and  Beatrice:  "Speak,  speak  out  free 
And  trust  to  them  as  to  divinities." — 
The  poet  does      "Well  I  perceive  how  thou  art  nesting  thee 
*^^"  In  thine  own  light,  and  drawing  it  again 

Through  eyes  that  coruscate  so  laughingly. 

But  who  thou  art,  blest  soul,  I  cannot  ken. 

Nor  wherefore  thou  art  graded  in  the  sphere 
That  is  in  alien  radiance  veiled  to  men." — 

Thus  spoke  I  straight  toward  the  luster  fair 
That  first  addrest  me;  whereupon  it  grew 
By  far  more  radiant  than  it  was  whilere. 

Then  like  the  sun  concealing  himseK  through 

Excess  of  light,  when  heat  has  gnawed  away 
The  tempering  shade  to  heavy  vapors  due. 

Concealed  himself  from  me  in  his  own  ray 
The  holy  shape  for  very  jubilance; 
And  thus  fast  folded  did  in  answer  say 

In  fashion  as  the  following  canto  chants. 


Justinian  Speaks                       323  ^ 

VI 

A  Philosophy  of  History:  The  Function  of  Rome  ; 

IN  Human  Redemption  \ 

"When  Constantine  had  wheeled  the  Eagle  away  The  soul  of           \ 

Against  Heaven's  course,  where  it  was  following  ^aw^i^^^  ^^^l        I 

That  ancient  who  espoused  Lavinia,  j 

Two  centuries  and  more  saw  hovering  i 

The  Bird  of  God  at  Europe's  border  line,  1 

Near  to  the  mountains  whence  it  first  took  wing;  I 

And,  overshadowing  with  wings  divine,  ] 

Governed  from  hand  to  hand  the  world  of  man,  \ 

And  in  due  turn  alighted  upon  mine.  i 

Caesar  was  I,  and  am  Justinian,  Conversion  and       j 

Who,  to  the  primal  Love  obedient,  Ju^UnLn             J 

Winnowed  the  laws,  and  bolted  to  the  bran.  ] 

And  ere  yet  wholly  on  that  labor  bent 

Did  I  a  single  nature  in  Christ  misdeem,  | 
Not  more,  and  with  such  faith  remained  content; 

But  blessed  Agapetus,  the  supreme  ' 

Shepherd  of  souls,  directed  me  and  drew  \ 

To  the  pure  faith,  discoursing  of  the  theme.  j 

Him  I  believed,  and  what  by  faith  he  knew  j 

Now  clearly  see,  as  seest  thou  every  pair  j 

Of  contradictories  both  false  and  true.  | 

When  with  the  Church  my  footsteps  moving  were,  \ 

I  gave  me  single-minded  to  the  laws,  \ 
Inspired  by  Grace  Divine  to  that  high  care; 

Committing  weapons  in  the  imperial  cause  j 

To  Belisarius  mine,  so  comforted  ] 
By  Heaven's  right  hand  that  I  had  leave  to  pause. 

Here  then  to  thy  first  question  comes  to  head 

My  answer;  but  its  terms  make  apposite  1 

That  something  as  a  sequel  should  be  said,  rr- .    •      ^.  ,. 

rr^i     .     1                                    .  1       ,                            I.    .   1  i  Vtdonous  flight       I 

1  hat  thou  mayest  see  with  what  amount  of  right  of  the  Roman 

Against  the  hallowed  ensign  move  both  they  eagle  from  the        i 

Who  make  it  theirs  and  who  against  it  ngnt.  an                       - 


324  Paradiso 

Think  what  large  reverence  we  ought  to  pay 

Its  prowess,  starting  from  the  moment  when 
Died  Pallas  to  secure  it  sovereign  sway. 

In  Alba  'twas,  thou  knowest,  a  denizen 

Three  hundred  years  and  more,  imtil  the  close 
When  fought  the  three  to  three  for  it  again. 

From  Sabine  rape  down  to  Lucretia*s  woes 

Thou  knowest  how  with  seven  kings  it  went 
Subduing  round  about  the  neighbor  foes. 

Thou  knowest  how,  borne  by  Romans  eminent, 
'Gainst  Brennus,  against  Pyrrhus  it  overcame. 
And  against  others,  prince  or  government; 

Torquatus,  and  that  Quinctius  who  took  name 
From  hair  unkempt,  Decii  and  Fabii  so 
Wrought  deeds  that  gladly  I  embalm  their  fame. 

It  laid  the  pride  of  the  Arabians  low, 

Who  passed  in  train  of  Hannibal  among 
The  rocky  Alpine  peaks  whence  pours  the  Po. 

It  led  to  triumph  while  they  yet  were  yoimg 
Pompey  and  Scipio,  and  bitterly 
Wrought  to  that  hill  beneath  which  thou  art  sprung. 

Then  near  the  time  when  heavenly  harmony 

Would  tune  the  world  to  concord  with  its  own, 
Caesar  laid  hold  of  it  at  Rome's  decree; 

And  what  it  wrought  from  Var  to  Rhine  is  known 
To  Isere,  to  the  Saone,  and  to  the  Seine, 
And  every  valley  brimming  up  the  Rhone. 

Its  prowess,  issuing  from  Ravenna,  when 
It  leapt  the  Rubicon,  so  swiftly  flew 
That  follow  it  could  neither  tongue  nor  pen. 

It  wheeled  the  legions  back  to  Spain ;  then  threw 
Them  on  Durazzo;  and  smote  Pharsalia 
So  that  to  torrid  Nile  was  felt  the  rue. 

Antandros  and  the  Simois  it  saw. 

Its  starting  point,  where  Hector  sleeps  so  fast; 
Then,  woe  to  Ptolemy,  roused  beak  and  claw; 


Flight  of  the  Roman  Eagle 


325 


Thence  fell,  like  thunderbolt  on  Juba  cast; 

Then  wheeling  back  into  your  West  it  came 
On  hearing  the  Pompeian  trumpet-blast. 

What  the  next  bearer  with  it  did,  proclaim 
Brutus  and  Cassius  in  the  hellish  deep. 
And  Modena  and  Perugia  wail  the  same. 

Ever  doth  wretched  Cleopatra  weep 

Because  of  it, — she,  fleeing  on  before. 
Took  from  the  adder  suddenly  black  sleep. 

With  him  it  coursed  far  as  the  Red-sea  shore; 

With  him  composed  the  world  in  peace  so  great 
That  barred  on  Janus  was  his  temple  door. 

But  what  the  standard  that  I  celebrate 
Had  done  before  and  was  about  to  do 
For  mortal  man  in  every  subject  state. 

Dwindles  away,  beclouded  to  the  view. 
If  one  in  hand  of  the  third  Caesar  seek 
With  vision  clear  and  with  affection  true; 

For  Living  Justice,  moving  me  to  speak. 
Gave  it,  in  person  of  that  emperor. 
The  glory  vengeance  for  just  wrath  to  wreak. 

Now  marvel  here  at  what  I  tell  thee  more: 
Later  it  flew  with  Titus,  doing  again 
Vengeance  on  vengeance  for  the  sin  of  yore. 

And  after,  when  the  Lombard  fang  would  fain 
Bite  Holy  Church,  beneath  those  eagle  wings 
Came  to  her  aid  victorious  Charlemagne. 

Now  mayst  thou  judge  of  their  endeavorings 
Accused  above;  the  people  I  accuse 
Have  been  the  cause  of  all  your  sufferings. 

Against  the  public  standard  one  would  use 
The  yellow  lilies;  one  to  party  Hues 
Confine  it, — ^hard  the  criminal  to  choose. 

Under  another  ensign  GhibelUnes 

May  ply  and  ply  devices, — for  amiss 
Follow  it  who  from  justice  discombines. 


The  Eagle  exe- 
cutes Divine 
Justice  for 
man's  sin,  and 
does  vengeance 
on  the  Jews 


Applicaiion  of 
the  lesson  to 
Dante's  time 


326 


Paradiso 


"That  last  in- 
firmity of  noble 
mind'^ 


Noble  unselfish' 
ness  of  Romeo, 
minister  of 
Count  Berenger 
of  Provence 


And  let  that  younger  Charles  not  trample  this. 

He  and  his  Guelfs,  but  fear  the  claws  that  wield 
Force  to  flay  tougher  lion-fell  than  his. 

Children  have  oft  bewailed  by  flood  and  field 
The  father's  fault,  nor  let  him  ever  ween 
His  lilies  to  be  quartered  in  God's  shield. 

This  little  planet  is  made  passing  sheen 

With  the  good  spirits  who  have  striven  that  fame 
And  honor  follow  them;  whenever  lean 

The  truant  wishes  toward  such  an  aim, 

Then  true  affection  needs  must  radiate 
Upward  to  Heaven  less  vividly  aflame. 

But  that  our  guerdon  is  commensurate 
With  worth,  is  part  of  our  beatitude, 
Seeing  it  nor  too  little  nor  too  great. 

Whence  Living  Justice  sweetens  so  the  mood 
Of  love  in  us  that  no  perversity 
Can  tangle  it  in  any  turpitude. 

Voices'  diverse  below  make  melody; 

So  in  this  life  of  ours  each  various  grade 
Renders  among  these  wheels  sweet  harmony. 

And  from  within  the  present  pearl  is  rayed 
The  light  of  Romeo,  whose  labors  great 
And  generous  were  shabbily  repaid. 

But  those  of  Provence  cannot  gratulate 

Who  wrought  against  that  noble  minister: 
Evil  to  them  who  other's  good  abate ! 

Four  daughters.  Queens,  had  Raymond  Berenger, 
And  he  who  crowned  them  was  no  citizen 
But  Romeo,  a  lowly  pilgrimer. 

By  crooked  counsel  moved,  the  Master  then 

Calls  to  account  the  servant  just,  who  clears 
His  credit, — seven  and  five  for  every  ten. 

Then  he  departed  poor  and  stricken  in  years; 

But  if  the  world  could  know  the  heart  he  bore 
Begging  his  bread  and  eating  it  with  tears. 

Much  as  it  praises,  it  would  praise  him  more." — 


August  Reasoning 


327 


VII 

Mystery  of  the  Redemption 

"Hosannah,  holy  God  of  Hosts,  Thou  who 
Dost  all  the  blessed  fires  that  are  burning 
Within  the  Kingdom  with  Thy  light  outdo !" — 

Even  so,  in  time  to  its  own  music  turning, 

That  being  on  whom  two  splendors  form  a  crest. 
Chanted,  as  well  I  saw,  the  while  discerning 

How  he  began  to  dance  with  all  the  rest. 
And  like  swift  sparklets  with  velocity 
And  sudden  distance  veiled  them  from  my  quest. 

Within  me  I  was  saying  doubtfully : 

"Tell  it  to  her,  tell  it  my  Lady,  whose 
Distillments  are  so  sweetly  slaking  me;" 

But  reverence,  whereby  I  cannot  choose 

But  mastered  be  at  sound  of  "Be"  or  "Iss," 
Bowed  me  again  like  one  whom  slumber  sues. 

But  little  while  so  left  me  Beatrice 

Till,  with  a  radiant  smile  of  such  a  kind 
As  would  have  put  a  burning  man  in  bliss, 

She  said :  "By  my  unfailing  sight  I  find 

The  question  how  a  vengeance  that  was  just 
Could  justly  be  avenged,  perturbs  thy  mind; 

But  if  I  speed  to  thy  release,  so  must 

Thou  hsten  well,  because  these  words  of  mine 
Will  guerdon  thee  with  reasoning  august. 

By  not  submitting  to  a  curb  benign 

Upon  his  power  of  will,  that  man  ne'er  born 
Damning  himself,  condemned  thus  all  his  line. 

Whereby  the  human  race  below  forlorn 
Lay  many  a  century  in  error  great. 
Until  the  Word  Almighty  did  not  scorn 

Going  down  to  join  in  Person  increate, 
By  the  sole  act  of  His  eternal  love, 
That  nature  from  its  Maker  alienate. 


He  reverences 
the  very  sylla- 
bles of  her 
name 


The  smile  of 
Beatrice 


His  question 
stated 


Fall  of  Man 


''For  God  so 
loved  the  loorld" 


328 


Paradiso 


The  just 
penalty 


Why  did  not 
God  let  man 
ransom  him- 


Thai  which  dis- 
tills from  God 
is  permanent, 
free,  and  in  the 
divine  likeness 


Now  turn  thy  look  to  what  I  reason  of: 

This  nature,  which  its  Maker  made  His  own, 
Did  as  created  pure  and  sinless  prove. 

But  it  was  exiled  by  its  fault  alone 

From  Paradise,  for  that  it  wandering 
From  way  of  truth  and  life  astray  had  gone. 

Thus,  by  the  adopted  nature  measuring. 
The  penalty  upon  the  cross  exacted 
Did  never  any  yet  so  justly  sting; 

And  likewise  never  was  such  wrong  enacted, 
Considering  Who  suffered,  and  the  worth 
Of  Him  in  whom  this  nature  was  contracted. 

Thus  from  one  act  diverse  effects  took  birth; 

The  same  death  pleased  the  Hebrews  and  the  Lord : 
Opened  the  Heavens  thereat,  and  shuddered  earth. 

No  longer  deem  then  diflBcult  the  word 

When  it  asseverates  that  vengeance  just 
Was  afterward  avenged  by  a  just  sword. 

But  now  I  see  how  thought  on  thought  is  thrust 
Upon  thy  mind,  entangled  in  a  skein 
Whence  it  awaits  release  with  eager  trust. 

Thou  sayest  within :   *Yea,  what  I  hear  is  plain. 
But  it  is  hidden  from  me  why  God  chose 
This  only  way  our  ransom  to  attain.' 

My  brother,  this  decree  from  eyes  of  those 
Lies  buried  deep,  whose  wit  is  not  mature 
Within  the  flame  of  love  that  ripening  glows. 

Nevertheless  as  at  this  cynosure 

Mortals  long  gaze,  though  little  they  discern, 
Will  I  declare  why  this  way  was  the  truer. 

Bounty  Divine,  that  doth  all  envy  spurn 

Away  from  Him,  sends  burning  sparks  therefrom, 
So  lighting  up  the  loveliness  eterne. 

That  which  distills  without  a  medium 

From  Him,  has  then  no  end,  for  permanence 
Gives  form  and  pressure  where  His  seal  has  come. 


Human  Atonement  Inadequate 


329 


That  which  rains  down  without  a  medium  thence 
Is  wholly  free,  since  not  beneath  the  bar 
Of  changing  secondary  influence. 

Things  please  Him  most  that  in  His  likeness  are. 
For  the  AU-irradiant  sacred  glow  must  be 
Most  living  in  the  things  most  similar. 

These  coigns  of  vantage  all  humanity 
Inherits,  and  if  one  of  these  it  wants 
Falls  force  perforce  from  its  nobiUty. 

Sin  only  is  man's  disinheritance. 

Rendering  him  unlike  the  Highest  Good 
And  less  blancht  therefore  by  its  radiance, 

And  never  he  gains  his  former  altitude 
Except  he  fill  the  guilty  void  again. 
Just  penalty  for  pleasure  ill-pursued. 

Your  nature,  sinning  in  your  Sire  amain. 

From  such  advantages  as  these  was  barred 
Even  as  from  Paradise;  and  such  the  stain 

That  in  no  manner  could  they  be  restored. 
If  thou  with  subtle  wit  the  matter  heed. 
Except  by  passing  one  or  the  other  ford: 

Either  that  God's  sole  clemency  concede 
Redemption,  or  that  human  foolishness 
Should  expiated  be  by  human  deed. 

Now  let  thine  eye  pierce  into  the  abyss 
Of  the  eternal  counsel,  close  intent 
As  possible  to  my  discourse  of  this. 

Man  could,  within  his  finite  limits  pent. 

Never  atone,  his  pinions  downward  weighing 
With  meekness  and  thereafter  obedient. 

Far  as  he  planned  to  soar  by  disobeying; 

And  this  is  why,  though  man  himself  would  pay 
His  own  atonement,  he  was  barred  from  paying. 

Whence  Deity  must  needs  in  His  own  way 

Bring  man  in  perfect  life  again  to  birth, — 
In  one  way,  or  indeed  in  both,  I  say. 


By  thefaU  man 
lost  his  freedom 
and  divine  like- 
ness, thus  be- 
coming subject 
to  death 


Why  human 
atonement 
might  not  suffice 


Necessity  of  the 
Incarnation 


330 


Paradiso 


The  elements 
not  distilled 
directly  from 
the  divine,  but 
through  the 
secondary  influ- 
ences of  the  stars 


But  since  the  doer's  deed  is  graced  with  worth 
The  more  in  measure  as  it  more  infers 
The  heart  of  bounty  whence  it  issued  forth, 

Bounty  Divine  that  stamps  the  universe. 
Was  fain  to  put  in  force  His  every  mode 
To  liberate  you  from  the  primal  curse; 

Nor  was  nor  shall  be,  since  the  first  day  glowed 
Till  the  last  night,  so  high  and  glorious 
A  progress  on  the  one  or  the  other  road: 

For,  giving  Self,  was  God  more  bounteous. 
So  making  man  suflScient  up  to  rise. 
Than  if  He  simply  had  forgiven  us; 

Nor  any  other  method  might  suffice 

For  justice,  had  the  Son  of  the  Most  High 
Not  humbled  Him,  assuming  mortal  guise. 

And  now,  with  all  thy  yearning  to  comply. 

Let  me  turn  back  to  make  one  matter  clear. 
That  we  may  see  it  together,  eye  to  eye. 

Thou  sayest:   T  see  the  water,  I  see  the  air. 

The  fire,  the  earth  and  all  their  mixtures  stay 
But  little  while,  then  to  corruption  fare. 

Yet  nothing  but  created  things  were  they;' 
Wherefore,  if  what  I  have  averred  is  sure. 
They  ought  to  be  secure  against  decay. 

The  angels,  brother,  and  the  country  pure 

Wherein  thou  art,  may  be  called  generated 
In  all  their  being,  as  they  are,  mature; 

But  the  elements  whose  names  thou  hast  related, 

And  all  the  things  that  from  their  minglings  flow. 
Informed  with  power  that  was  itself  created. 

Created  was  the  matter  in  them  so. 
Created  the  informing  influence 
Within  these  stars  that  sweeping  round  them  go. 

Pluckt  out  from  their  potential  elements 
By  light  and  motion  of  the  holy  fires 
Are  souls  of  every  brute  and  of  the  plants. 


Direct  and  Indirect  Creation              331  \ 

I 

But  the  Supreme  Benignity  inspires  i 

Your  soul  directly,  and  enamors  her  i 

With  Him,  whom  she  forever  then  desires.  i 

And  furthermore  thou  mayest  hence  infer  j 

Your  resurrection,  if  thou  think  once  more  \ 

How  human  frames  divinely  fashioned  were  ; 

When  our  first  parents  both  were  framed  of  yore." 


332  Paradiso 

VIII 

The  Heaven  of  Venus 

The  world  was  in  its  peril  wont  to  hold 
That  the  fair  Cyprian  was  raying  out 
Wild  love,  in  her  third  epicycle  rolled; 

Wherefore  the  ancient  people  went  about 
In  antique  error,  not  alone  to  pay 
To  her  the  sacrifice  and  votive  shout. 

But  Cupid  and  Dione  honored  they. 

This  as  her  mother,  that  one  as  her  son. 
Telling  how  he  in  Dido's  bosom  lay; 

And  named  from  her  with  whom  I  have  begun 
Morning  and  That  planetary  star  which,  now  at  brow 

evening  star  ^^^  ^^^  behind  the  shoulder,  woos  the  Sun. 

Evidence  of         I  had  no  sense  of  rising  there  till  now, 
the  ascent  j^^^  ^f  ^^^  being  there  my  Lady's  favor 

Gave  proof,  because  I  saw  her  fairer  grow. 

And  as  in  flame  we  see  the  sparkles  waver. 
Or  as  within  a  voice  a  voice  discern 
One  holding  note,  one  shaking  out  a  quaver. 

So  in  that  radiance  other  torches  burn 
In  circle  speeding  variably  fast, 
Methinks  in  measiu*e  of  their  sight  eteme. 

Never  from  icy  cloud  so  swift  a  blast 

Swept,  seen  or  unseen,  that  the  interim 

Would  not  have  seemed  long-drawn  before  it  passed. 

To  one  who  should  have  seen  approaching  him 
Those  lights  divine  as  they  forsook  the  gyre 
Begun  among  the  lofty  Seraphim. 

And  from  among  the  foremost  of  that  quire 
Rang  forth  Hosannah,  so  harmonious 
That  ever  to  rehear  it  I  desire. 

Then  one  of  them  drew  near  alone,  and  thus 
Began:  "We  all  with  eagerness  are  burning 
At  thy  good  will  to  give  thee  joy  of  us. 


Charles  M artel 


333 


Of  one  orb,  of  one  circling,  of  one  yearning 
With  the  Celestial  Princes  are  we  rolling 
To  whom  once  thou,  from  worldly  matters  turning: 

*Ye  the  third  Heaven  by  intellect  controlling;* 
And  to  delight  thee  shall  a  quiet  space 
Be  no  less  sweet,  our  love  is  so  ensouling/* — 

After  mine  eyes  had  sought  my  Lady's  face 
With  reverence,  and  she  of  her  assent 
Had  satisfied  them,  and  assured  her  grace, 

Then  to  the  hght  which  did  such  hope  present, 

I  turned  about,  and, — ^''Tell  me,  who  are  you?^ 
Inquired  in  tone  of  tender  sentiment. 

Ah,  when  I  so  had  spoken,  how  it  grew 

Transfigured  to  my  vision,  and  enhanced 
In  size  and  brilliance,  joy  and  joy  thereto! 

"The  world,"  he  answered,  thus  enradianced, 

"Held  me  short  while,  and  had  it  longer  been 
Much  harm  that  will  befall  had  never  chanced. 

I  am  concealed  from  thee  behind  a  screen 
Of  gladness  that  irradiates  me  round. 
As  swathes  a  creature  its  own  silken  sheen. 

Much  didst  thou  love  me,  with  good  reason  fond; 
For  had  I  stayed  below  I  would  have  shown 
More  of  my  love  to  thee  than  in  the  frond. 

That  left  bank  which  is  watered  by  the  Rhone 

When  it  has  drunk  the  Sorgue  up,  would  have  held 
Me  in  good  time  the  master  of  its  own; 

And  that  horn  of  Ausonia,  citadeled 

By  Bari,  Gaeta,  and  Catona,  and  where 
Tronto  and  Verde  in  the  sea  are  quelled. 

Already  gleamed  the  crown  above  my  hair 

Of  that  dominion  which  the  Danube  purges 
Abandoning  its  German  banks;  and  fair 

Trinacria,  which  on  occasion  merges 
Pachynus  and  Pelorus  in  one  gloom 
Over  the  gulf  that  Eurus  chiefly  scourges 


The  courteous 
sjnrit  quotes 
the  first  line 
of  a  canzone 
of  Dante 


Charles  Martel., 
heir  presump- 
tive to  many 
kingdoms 


The  poetry  of 
the  map 


334 


Paradiso 


The  Sicilian 
Vespers  (a.d. 
1282) 


The  father 
Charles,  the 
Cripple  of  Jeru- 
salem, had  but 
the  one  virtue 
(cf.  Canto  xixy 
127-129) 


How  can  a  had 
son  descend 
from  a  good 
father? 

Arguing  in  the 
manner  of  a 
professor  at 
Paris  or 
Bologna 


(Not  through  Typhoeus,  but  through  sulphur  fume), 
Would  for  her  sovereigns  be  looking  still, 
Who  should  through  me  from  Charles  and  Rudolph 
come. 

Had  not  the  subject  folk,  by  lordship  ill 
Exasperated,  been  provokt  to  cry 
Insurgent  in  Palermo:  *Kill  them,  kill!' 

And  had  my  brother  been  forewarned  thereby. 
He  now  were  fleeing,  lest  it  work  him  woe, 
The  greedy  Catalonian  poverty. 

For  he  or  his  must  make  provision  so. 
Forsooth,  his  overladen  bark  aboard. 
That  none  shall  further  lading  seek  to  stow. 

His  nature,  niggard  from  a  generous  lord. 
Should  be  supported  by  such  retinue 
As  would  give  little  heed  to  till  or  hoard." — 

"Since  I  beUeve  the  lofty  joy  that  through 

Me  courses  from  your  words,  my  lord  and  friend. 
As  to  my  own  is  patent  to  your  view 

Where  all  good  has  beginning  and  has  end. 

The  gladder  I;  glad  also  that  my  wish,  you 
By  looking  into  God  can  apprehend. 

You  make  me  blithe;  but  put  aside  the  tissue 

Of  doubt  whereby  your  words  have  veiled  my  mind : 
How  from  sweet  seed  can  bitter  fruitage  issue?" — 

So  I;  and  he  to  me:  "If  I  can  find 

An  answer  setting  truth  in  evidence, 
Thou'lt  have  before  thee  what  is  now  behind. 

The  Good  that  turns  the  whole  and  that  contents 
The  Realm  thou  mountest,  in  these  bodies  vast 
Makes  active  virtue  of  its  Providence; 

And  Mind  in  Itself  perfect  has  forecast 

The  natures  not  alone,  but  has  in  charge 
Along  with  them  their  welfare  first  and  last. 

WTience  whatsoever  thing  this  bow  discharge 
Alights  to  predetermined  end,  like  dart 
Unerringly  directed  to  the  targe. 


Diversity  of  Family  Traits 


335 


If  not,  the  Heaven  where  thou  a  pilgrim  art 
Would  so  in  its  effects  come  short  of  goal 
That  they  would  not  be  beautiful,  but  thwart, 

WTiich  could  not  be  unless  the  minds  that  roll 
These  stars  were  in  default,  defaulting  too 
For  leaving  them  at  fault,  the  Primal  Soul. 

Dost  thou  require  more  proof  that  this  is  true?" — 
"Not  so;  it  is  impossible,  I  see. 
That  Nature  weary  in  aught  of  need  to  do." — 

"Now  say,  were't  worse  for  man,"  continued  he, 
"Were  he  on  earth  unsocial.?" — ^"It  were  so," 
I  answered;  "that  is  obvious  to  me." — 

"And  can  he  be  so  if  he  live  below 
Without  diversity  of  offices? 
If  well  your  master  write  about  it, — ^No !" — 

So  he  by  inference  drew  up  to  this: 

"Therefore  perforce  the  roots  of  what  is  done 
Among  you  are  diverse;  whence  not  amiss 

Is  one  born  Solon,  Xerxes  one,  and  one 
Melchisedech,  another  who  would  fly 
Fanning  the  welkin,  losing  thus  his  son. 

Revolving  Nature  well  her  craft  doth  ply 

Stamping  her  seal  on  wax  of  mortal  clay. 
Nor  takes  account  of  hostel,  low  or  high. 

Whence  it  occurs  that  Esau  falls  away 

At  birth  from  Jacob,  and  Quirinus  rose 

From  Sire  so  mean  that  sired  him  Mars,  they  say. 

Careers  of  children  w^ould  conform  to  those 
Of  their  begetters,  hke  to  like  in  kind. 
But  that  Divine  prevision  overthrows. 

Now  frontest  thou  the  truth  that  was  behind; 
But  that  thou  know  my  joy  in  thy  behoof. 
With  corollary  will  I  cloak  thy  mind. 

If  she  find  Fortune  from  herself  aloof. 
Ever  will  Nature,  Uke  another  seed 
Out  of  its  region,  come  to  evil  proof. 


Uniformity  of 
son  with  father 
would  make 
social  life 
impossible 


The  corollary: 
an  application 
of  the  lesson 


336  Paradiso 

And  if  the  world  down  yonder  would  take  heed 
To  what  the  rudiments  of  nature  teach. 
Following  these,  well  would  her  people  speed. 

But  ye  pervert  him  to  a  priest,  whose  reach 
Of  nature  fitted  him  for  a  belted  knight. 
And  make  a  king  of  him  who  fain  would  preach : 

Therefore  ye  wander  from  the  way  of  right." — 


Cunizza  337 

"i 

IX  I 

A  Great  Lady  and  a  Poet  Prophesy  ■ 

After  thy  Charles  had  thus,  O  Clemence  fair,  Clemence  ike         \ 

Enlightened  me,  he  told  the  frauds,  he  said  ^^^'  /^^^  '**     J 

That  his  posterity  would  have  to  bear;  speaker               ' 

Adding:  "Be  silent  till  the  years  are  sped;"  \ 

Bo  that  I  naught  can  say,  save  that  of  right  1 

Tears  for  these  wrongs  of  yours  shall  yet  be  shed.  -i 

And  now  the  spirit  of  that  holy  light 

Had  turned  toward  the  Sun,  that  plenteous  : 

Fountain  of  good  to  all  things  requisite.  • 

Ah,  souls  deluded,  creatures  impious,  •      \ 

To  wrench  your  hearts  from  such  a  blessed  state,  J 
Your  brows  tow'rd  vanity  directing  thus ! 

And  lo !  another  of  those  splendors  great  Cunizza  da          | 

Drew  nearer,  while  its  will  for  my  content  Romano 
Seemed  from  its  features  forth  to  radiate. 

The  eyes  of  Beatrice  were  on  me  bent  \ 

As  heretofore,  and  to  the  thing  I  sought  ^; 
Gave  me  assurance  of  her  sweet  assent. 

"Soon  be  thy  longing  to  fulfillment  brought,  \ 

Blest  spirit,"  said  I,  "and  give  me  certitude  ] 

That  in  thyself  I  can  reflect  my  thought." —  j 

Whence  the  new  light,  from  deep  beatitude  j 

Wherein  it  had  before  been  singing,  said  '1 

In  manner  of  one  delighting  to  do  good:  I 

"In  that  depraved  Italian  region  spread  The  March  of       i 

Between  Rialto  sitting  by  the  sea  ^'■^''"'                j 

And  where  the  Brenta  and  Piava  head,  I 

Rises  a  hill,  not  very  loftily,  ] 

Whence  there  came  down  a  flaming  brand  of  yore,  | 

Of  that  fair  countryside  the  enemy.  Ezzdino  (Inf. 

From  one  root  with  it  I  arose,  and  bore  ^*'  ^^^^ 
The  name  Cunizza,  and  here  am  overbowed 

With  splendor,  since  this  star  prevailed  the  more.  i 


338  Paradiso 


Remorse  for  sin    But  gladly  conscience  has  to  me  allowed  : 

LeS7{pZt  ^^^  '^^''^^  ""^  ^^'^  ^y  ^^^'  without  dismay,  \ 

xxxi)  Though  hard  the  saying,  haply,  to  your  crowd.  i 

Folco  (or  Foul-    This  precious  jewel  of  pellucid  ray  ] 

^sdlks,  firsT'  ^^^  heaven  adorning  and  to  me  most  near,  j 

troubadour,  then  Left  great  renown,  and  ere  it  fade  away  ; 

Ushop  Shall  be  quintupled  this  centennial  year.  J 

Ah,  let  man  look  to  make  him  excellent  ( 

That  the  first  life  bequeath  a  second  here!  I 

So  reason  not  the  rabble  turbulent  j 

Which  Tagliamento  and  Adige  include,  ! 

Nor  yet  for  being  scourged  are  penitent.  \ 

But  at  the  pool  shall  Padua  with  her  blood  1 

Soon  stain  the  water  of  Vicenza  red,  ; 

Since  against  duty  harden  they  their  mood.  j 

One  plays  the  lord  and  struts  with  lifted  head  \ 

Where  Sile  and  Cagnano  lately  met,  1 

For  trapping  whom  the  snare  is  being  spread.  \ 

A  treacherous      Feltro  shall  weep  with  bitter  wailing  yet  \ 

'*  ^^  For  treason  of  her  impious  pastor, — ^nay  ] 

Such  caitiff  never  was  in  Malta  set!  ' 

Capacious  must  the  bucket  be  that  day  j 

Which  of  the  Ferrarese  shall  hold  the  gore, —  ' 

And  weary  he  who  ounce  by  ounce  should  weigh, — 

That  this  obliging  priest  will  have  to  pour 

To  prove  him  factious;  gifts  like  this  are  due  I 
To  match  the  life  that  land  is  noted  for ! 

Above  are  mirrors — thrones  as  called  by  you —  J 

WTience  God  in  judgment  doth  upon  us  shine  j 

So  that  seem  good  to  us  these  sayings  true." —  j 
Herewith  she  held  her  peace,  and  gave  me  sign 

Of  being  turned  to  other  heed,  whirled  on  | 

As  heretofore  along  the  dance  divine.  \ 

The  other  joy,  already  known  as  one,  \ 

Swam  into  vision  as  a  thing  illumed,  i 
Like  a  choice  ruby  smitten  by  the  sun. 


Folco  of  Marseilles  339 

Brightness  up  there  by  rapture  is  assumed 

Like  laughter  here  on  earth;  but  they  who  Uve 
Below  are  shadowed  as  the  soul  is  gloomed. 

"All-seeing  God,"  said  I,  "to  thee  doth  give  Dante  prays  the 

Vision  so  inwardly  with  Him  imbued,  *^^f  «{  ^/'/^^  ^ 

,     .       .  ,        ,      -      .  .  ^^Ph  io  his  un- 

Can  no  desire  from  thee  be  fugitive.  spoken  question 

Therefore  thy  voice  that  gives  beatitude 

To  Heaven,  in  concert  with  those  fires  divine 

Who  with  their  six  wings  make  themselves  a  hood. 
Why  does  it  leave  me  in  desire  to  pine? 

Surely  I  would  not  wait  thy  questioning 

Could  I  indwell  thy  spirit  as  thou  mineP — 
"The  widest  vale  of  waters  issuing,"  The  poetry  of 

With  these  words  his  discourse  to  me  began,  *  *^^ 

"Out  of  that  sea  the  earth  engarlanding, 
Between  contrasting  shores  so  wide  a  span 

Spreads  to  the  sun,  that  what  was  just  before 

Horizon,  soon  appears  meridian, 
I  was  a  dweller  midway  on  that  shore 

'Twixt  Ebro  and  Magra  which,  with  passage  short 

Bars  to  the  Genoese  the  Tuscan  door. 
For  rise  and  set  of  sun  of  one  report 

Would  be  Buggea  and  my  native  town. 

Whose  blood  once  warmed  the  waters  of  the  port. 
Folco  they  called  me  where  my  name's  renown 

Was  noted,  and  this  heaven  is  stampt  by  me 

As  on  me  once  its  influence  rained  down. 
More  burned  not  Belus's  daughter,  balefully 

Both  to  Sichseus  and  Creiisa  too. 

Than  I  while  it  became  my  locks;  nor  she. 
The  Rhodopeian  maid  who  had  to  rue 

Demophodn's  deceit;  Alcides  not 

When  lole  into  his  heart  he  drew.  He  can  speak 

Yet  nowise  grieve,  but  smile  we  in  this  spot,  ^I^^^of  his 

Not  at  the  fault  which  ne'er  returns  to  mind,  lime  of  sin 

But  at  the  Worth  that  ordered  and  forethought.       (^^^^-  ^^'^ 


340 


Paradiso 


Here  ends  the 
shadow  cast  by 
Earth 


The  golden 
florin  with  the 
stamp  of  the 
lily 

Profitable  study 
of  ecclesiastical 
law 


Here  we  behold  the  skill  which  has  assigned 
Itself  so  fair  result, — discern  the  Good 
Which  with  the  world  above  atones  mankind. 

But  that  thou  bear  away  in  plenitude 

Fulfilled  those  wishes  native  to  this  sphere, 
With  something  further  I  perforce  conclude. 

Thou  wouldest  know  who  in  this  radiance  here 
Beside  me  scintillates,  as  in  pure  stream 
A  sunbeam  tremulous  in  water  clear. 

Now  learn  that  rests  at  peace  within  that  beam 
Rahab,  and  that  our  order,  made  her  own, 
ijears  signet  of  her  in  degree  supreme. 

Into  this  heaven,  where  ends  the  shadowy  cone 
Cast  by  your  earth,  all  other  souls  before. 
She,  in  Christ's  triumph,  was  received  alone. 

Meet  was  it  in  some  heaven  forevermore 

Leave  her  as  palm  of  the  victorious  hope 
Achieved  with  one  palm  and  the  other;  for 

She  lent  her  aid  to  the  first  glorious  scope 
Of  tJo^^a  upon  the  Holy  Land, 
That  little  stirs  the  memory  of  the  Pope. 

Thy  City,  the  plantation  of  his  hand 

Who  turned  his  back  on  his  Creator  first. 

And  from  whose  envy  spring  your  woes,  doth  brand 

And  scatter  far  and  wide  that  flower  accurst 
Whereby  the  shepherd  into  wolf  is  turned, 
So  that  the  sheep  and  lambs  are  all  disperst. 

The  Gospel  and  the  doctors  great  are  spurned. 
And  only  the  Decretals  studied  well 
For  this, — as  by  their  margin  is  discerned. 

On  this  the  Pope  and  cardinals  do  dwell : 
Never  on  Nazareth  is  fixt  their  scan. 
Where  opened  once  his  pinions  Gabriel. 

But  holy  parts  of  Rome,  both  Vatican 
And  other,  chosen  as  the  burial  spot 
Of  the  army  whereof  Peter  led  the  van. 

Soon  shall  be  purged  of  the  adulterous  blot.^ — 


The  Devout  Astronomer  341 

X 

Heaven  op  the  Sun:  Starry  Garland  of  Sages 

The  primal  and  unutterable  Worth 

Gazing  upon  His  Son's  benignant  face  '\ 

With  Love  which  both  eternally  breathe  forth,  \ 

Made  all  things  that  revolve  through  mind  or  space  \ 

With  so  much  order  that  whoso  looks  aright  j 

Can  never  want  some  image  of  His  Grace.  ] 

Then,  Reader,  lift  straight  up  with  me  thy  sight  The  intersection 

To  the  high  wheels,  where  the  two  motions  come  «/  the  Equator        '. 

To  that  pomt  where  they  each  on  other  smite,  tic  {cf.  Canto  i,      \ 

And  there  begin  to  enjoy  His  masterdom  37-39)                  \ 
Who  loves  His  work  within  Him  with  such  love 
As  never  to  withdraw  His  eye  therefrom. 

Look,  how  that  circle  oblique,  the  bearer  of 

The  planets,  is  at  present  branching  thence  " 
To  appease  the  world  that  calls  them  from  above; 

And  were  their  road  not  bent,  much  influence 

In  Heaven  would  be  unfruitful,  and  down  here  ■ 

Almost  all  virtue  drained  to  impotence;  ' 

Did  it  at  less  or  greater  angle  veer  ; 
From  the  right  line,  deficiency  were  dire 

Both  up  and  down,  in  either  hemisphere.  ; 

Now  on  this  foretaste  of  the  heart's  desire,  i 

Remain,  O  Reader,  on  thy  seat  to  brood,  | 

For  it  will  charm  thee  long  before  thou  tire;  i 

I  set  it  forth;  do  thou  partake  the  food;  i 

For  I  have  made  me  scribe  of  such  a  theme  ] 

As  claims  the  whole  of  my  solicitude.  \ 

The  Minister  of  Nature  all-supreme.  The  Sun,  to          ; 

Who  with  the  worth  of  Heaven  the  world  is  sealing  V;^'^'^  ^««^ 

had  impercep-         ■] 
And  measurmg  our  time  out  with  his  beam,  tibly  arisen 

Joined  with  that  region  named  above,  was  wheeling 

Along  the  spirals  of  that  thoroughfare  I 

Where  daily  earlier  is  his  revealing;  [ 


342 


Paradiso 


The  smile  of 
Beatrice 


The  garland  of 
souls  is  like  the 
halo  around  the 
moon 


And  I  along  with  him,  but  unaware 

Of  the  ascending,  more  than  one  perceives 
Thought  in  the  mind  before  its  advent  there. 

'Tis  Beatrice  herself  who  leading  gives 
From  good  to  better,  so  immediately 
Her  act  no  vestige  of  duration  leaves. 

Within  the  sun  where  I  had  entered,  see 
How  brighten  spirits  into  recognition. 
By  light,  not  color,  manifest  to  me ! 

What  though  I  summon  genius,  art,  tradition. 
That  splendor  could  be  imaged  nevermore, 
But  faith  may  see, — ah,  let  us  crave  the  vision ! 

No  wonder  our  low  fancy  cannot  soar 
To  such  an  altitude,  for  never  yet 
Was  eye  that  did  not  quail  the  sun  before. 

So  bright  was  the  fourth  family,  here  set 

By  the  High  Sire,  imbuing  them  with  bliss. 
Showing  how  He  doth  breathe,  and  how  beget. 

"Give  thanks  to  Him,^'  began  now  Beatrice, 
"Thank  Him  who  of  the  angels  is  the  Sun, 
Who  by  His  Grace  has  lifted  thee  to  this!" — 

So  ardently  subdued  to  orison 

Devoted,  heart  of  mortal  yet  was  not. 
So  eager  for  divine  surrender  none. 

As  at  these  words  my  own  desire  was  hot; 

And  so  my  love  to  Him  was  wholly  plighted 
That  Beatrice  was  in  eclipse  forgot. 

Nor  this  displeased  her;  but  her  eyes  so  lighted 
With  laughter,  that  the  splendor  of  her  mien 
Drew  off  to  other  things  my  mind  united. 

For  other  living  lusters,  passing  keen. 

Centered  upon  us  like  a  chaplet  round. 

Still  sweeter  in  their  voice  than  bright  in  sheen. 

The  daughter  of  Latona  thus  enwound 

Is  seen  at  moments  when  so  teems  the  air 

It  holds  the  thread  wherewith  her  zone  is  bound. 


The  Garland  of  Lusters 


343 


Manifold  are  the  jewels  dear  and  fair 

In  Court  of  Heaven,  whence  I  returning  come. 
And  none  to  carry  them  away  could  dare; 

Of  these  the  carols  of  those  light  were  some: 
Who  takes  not  wing  up  thitherward  to  fly 
May  better  ask  for  tidings  of  the  dumb ! 

WTien,  chanting  so,  those  blazing  suns  on  high 
Had  wheeled  about  us  thrice,  in  radiance 
Like  stars  the  steadfast  pole  forever  nigh, 

Ladies  they  seemed,  who  break  not  from  the  dance. 
But  stop  in  silence  Hstening  for  the  chord 
Whereto  their  tripping  steps  again  advance. 

And  from  within  one  light  came  forth  this  word: 
"Since  radiance  of  Grace,  enkindling  so 
True  love  to  be  the  multiplied  reward 

Of  loving,  doth  in  thee  so  brightly  glow. 

Leading  thee  up  that  stairway  where  none  save 
To  reascend  can  ever  go  below, — 

Whoever  should  deny  thee  if  thou  crave 

Wine  from  his  flagon,  would  be  free  no  more 
Than  water  seeking  not  the  level  wave. 

Thou  wouldest  know  what  blossoms  now  enflower 
This  garland,  circling  with  blithe  roundelay 
The  Lady  beautiful,  thy  heavenly  dower. 

Lamb  of  the  holy  flock  was  I,  whose  way 
Is  shepherded  by  Dominic,  and  here 
Fair  is  the  fattening  if  they  do  not  stray. 

The  brother  to  my  dexter  hand  most  near 
Was  Albert  oJ[  Cologne,  my  master  best. 
And  I  was  Thomas  of  Aquino  there. 

And  if  to  name  and  number  all  the  rest 

Thou  era  vest  of  me,  let  thy  look  awhile 
Circle  up  here  along  the  garland  blest. 

That  other  splendor  issues  from  the  smile 

Of  Gratian, — one  and  the  other  court  he  lent 
Such  aid  as  Heaven  with  rapture  to  beguile. 


Dancing  the 
successive 
stanzas  of  the 
ballaia 


Speaks  the  great 
Dominican 
theologian, 
Thomas  Aqui- 


Alhertus 
nus 


Oraiian 


344 


Paradiso 


Peter  Lombard 


Solomon 


Dionysius 


Orosius 


Boethius 


Siger  of  Bra- 
bant, who  lec- 
tured at  Paris 
on  Theology 


The  Bride  is 
throughout  the 
Poem,  of  course f 
the  Church 


And  of  our  chorus  the  next  ornament 

WasPeter^  who  gave  Holy  Church  his  mite 
Like  the  poor  woman  of  the  Testament. 

The  fifth  and  lovehest  of  our  circle  bright 

Breathes  from  such  love  that  all  the  world  below 
Looks  eagerly  for  tidings  of  its  plight: 
rithin  it  is  the  lofty  spirit,  so 

Imbued  with  wisdom  that,  if  truth  be  true. 
No  second  rose  so  much  to  see  and  know. 

Next  it  the  radiance  of  that  taper  view 

Which,  still  in  mortal  flesh,  did  best  divine 
The  angelic  nature,  and  its  service  due. 

Next  in  that  little  light  see,  smiling,  shine 
That  advocate  of  Christian  ages  whose 
Fair  Latin  edified  Saint  Augustine. 

Now,  if  in  sequence  as  my  praise  pursues 

From  light  to  light,  thy  mental  eye  is  veering. 
Thou  cravest  for  the  eighth,  and  canst  not  choose. 

Therein  the  sight  of  Good  Supreme  is  cheering 
The  holy  soul  who  renders  evident 
The  world's  deceit  to  whoso  well  give  hearing. 

The  body  whence  on  earth  it  hunted  went 

Lies  in  Cieldauro,  and  from  torture  came 
Into  this  peace  and  out  of  banishment. 

And  yonder  see  the  fervent  spirits  flame 
Of  Isidore,  of  Bede^  of  Richard  who 
In  contemplation  more  than  man  became. 

This  one,  wherefrom  to  me  returns  thy  view, 
Shines  from  a  soul  to  thought  so  dedicate 
That  death,  he  thought,  too  slowly  on  him  drew: 

This  is  the  light  of  Siger,  beyond  date. 

Who  in  the  Street  of  Straw  once  lecturing. 
Had  enviable  truths  to  demonstrate." — 

Then  as  a  chiming  horologe  doth  ring 

To  rouse  the  Bride  of  God  to  matin-song 
Unto  the  Spouse,  His  love  soliciting. 


The  Holy  Chime  345 

Where  one  part  draws  another  and  thrusts  along 

With  tintinnating  note  harmonious 

Whence  love  in  well-tuned  spirit  waxes  strong, — 
The  glorious  wheel  I  saw  revolving  thus 

And  render  voice  to  voice,  in  concord  blending 

With  sweetness  never  to  be  known  of  us. 
Save  in  that  place  where  joy  is  never-ending. 


346 


Paradiso 


To  follow 
Hippocrates 
meant  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine 


St.  Thmias 
Aquinas,  Doc- 
tor angelicns 


Canto  X,  96 
Canto  X,  11^ 


XI 

The  Canto  of  St.  Francis 

O  mad  solicitude  for  mortal  things, 

Alas,  how  all  the  reasonings  are  vain 

That  make  thee  heavily  beat  down  thy  wings ! 

One  played  the  clergyman,  one  followed  gain. 
One  aphorisms  of  Hippocrates, 
One  strove  by  violence  or  craft  to  reign. 

One  throve  by  theft,  one  by  juristic  pleas. 
One  in  the  pleasures  of  the  flesh  enwound 
Was  wearing  out,  and  one  gave  up  to  ease. 

While  I,  set  free  from  all  that  dreary  round. 
Aloft  in  Heaven,  with  Beatrice  at  hand. 
So  passing  glorious  a  welcome  found. 

When  every  member  of  that  circling  band 

Had  gained  the  point  where  he  had  been  before. 
He  stayed,  as  stays  the  taper  in  the  stand. 

And  now  I  heard  the  former  voice  once  more 
Within  that  luster,  while  yet  more  intense 
Became  the  brilliance  of  the  smile  it  wore: 

"As  I  am  kindled  in  His  efiluence, 

So,  gazing  into  the  Eternal  Light, 

I  trace  thy  thoughts  back  to  their  rudiments. 

Thou  doubtest,  and  wouldst  have  me  sift  aright 
My  utterance,  and  in  plain  language  bring 
The  matter  to  the  level  of  thy  sight 

Where  lately  I  said, — *  Where  is  good  fattening,' 
And  where  I  said,  *No  second  ever  was,' 
And  here  is  need  of  clear  distinguishing. 

The  Providence  which  rules  the  world  with  laws 
Mysterious,  so  that  every  mortal  eye 
Is  baffled  ere  it  to  the  bottom  draws 

(So  that  to  wed  with  Him  who  espous^-  her  by 

The  blessed  blood  with  loud  proclaim,  the  Bride 
Might  go  with  greater  nuptial  loyalty. 


y 


Life  of  Francis 


347 


And  with  more  self -security  beside), — 

Ordained  two  princes  who  should  both  attend  her. 
One  upon  either  hand  to  be  her  guide. 

All  fire  seraphical  was  one  defender; 

The  other  one  with  wisdom  all  aflame, 
Light  to  the  world  cherubic  in  its  splendor. 

Of  one  I  mean  to  speak,  for  both  may  claim 
Our  praises,  whichsoever  one  intending, 
Because  their  labors  had  a  single  aim. 

Between  Topino  and  the  stream  descending 
The  hill  that  blest  Ubaldo  erewhile  chose, 
A  fertile  slope  is  from  the  mountain  bending. 

Whence  hot  and  cold  upon  Perugia  blows 

Through  Porta  Sole;  while  behind  it  groan 
Gualdo  and  Nocera  their  heavy  woes. 

Where  drops  the  highland  less  abruptly  prone, 
A  sun  upon  the  world  began  ascent. 
As  somewhiles  out  of  Ganges  dawns  our  own. 

Wherefore  let  any,  when  this  place  is  meant. 
Say  not  *Ascesi,'  which  were  short  to  say. 
But,  fitlier  to  speak,  say  'Orient' ! 

He,  from  his  rising  not  yet  far  away. 

Began  to  give  the  world  some  handsel  of 
The  comfort-giving  virtue  of  his  ray; 

And,  still  a  boy  against  his  father  strove 
For  such  a  Lady,  men  unbar  the  door 
As  willingly  to  death  as  to  her  love; 

And  in  the  spiritual  court,  before 

His  father's  face,  united  with  her  stood. 
Whereon  from  day  to  day  he  loved  her  more. 

Reft  of  first  husband  she  in  widowhood 
Till  after  the  eleven  hundredth  year. 
Contemned,  obscure,  awaited  him  unwooed; 

Nor  aught  availed  that  men  of  her  should  hear 
As  with  Amyclas  found  unterrified 
By  voice  of  him  who  struck  the  world  with  fear; 


Francis 
Dominic 


One  of  the  geo- 
graphical de- 
scriptions which 
the  Poet  loves 
(cf.  ix,  82-93) 


Assist,  sup- 
posed to  he  de- 
rived from 
"Ascesi"  I  rose 


He  loved  the 
Lady  Poverty, 
but  the  father 
opposed  the 
match 


348 


Paradiso 


Sealed  by  the 
Church 


Sealed  by  the 
Holy  Spirit 


Nor  aught  availed  her  faith  and  courage  tried. 
So  that,  let  Mary  at  the  foot  remain. 
She  mounted  up  where  Christ  was  crucified. 

But  lest  too  enigmatic  be  my  strain, 

From  my  long  parable  shalt  thou  infer 
That  Poverty  and  Francis  are  these  twain. 

So  blithe  and  so  harmonious  they  were. 

Their  love,  their  wonder,  their  communion  sweet 
In  all  around  set  holy  thoughts  astir; 

Whence  venerable  Bernard  first  thought  meet 
To  go  unshod,  and  after  so  great  peace 
He  ran,  and  running  blamed  his  lagging  feet. 

O  wealth  untold,  good  fruitful  of  increase ! 
Giles  bares  his  feet,  Sylvester  his  behind 
The  Bridegroom,  such  the  Bride's  peculiar  grace. 

Then  with  his  Lady  and  with  the  house  assigned. 
All  with  the  humble  cord  begirded  now. 
Went  forth  that  Father  and  that  Master  kind; 

Nor  did  he  cravenly  abase  his  brow 
As  son  of  Peter  Bernardone,  or  feel 
Cast  down  by  strange  contempt.  But  his  stern  vow 

With  regal  dignity  did  he  reveal 

To  Innocent  the  Pope,  by  whom  was  granted 
For  his  religious  order  the  first  seal. 

As  multiphed  the  poor  folk  who  had  panted 
To  follow  him  whose  life-work  marvelous 
Were  better  in  the  glory  of  Heaven  chanted, 

This  Master-shepherd's  holy  zeal  for  us 

Was  sealed  with  crown  of  the  Eternal  Spirit 
A  second  time  through  Pope  Honorius. 

Then  preached  he  to  the  Soldan  proud  (to  merit 
The  palm  of  martyrdom  he  would  have  borne) 
Christ  and  his  followers ;  but  since  to  hear  it 

He  found  unripe  that  folk,  who  put  to  scorn 

Salvation,  and  lest  vain  should  be  the  quest, 
Returned  to  harvest  of  the  Italian  corn; 


Degenerate  Dominicans 


349 


'Twixt  Tiber  and  Arno  on  the  rocky  crest 

From  Christ's  own  hand  the  final  seal  he  won, 
Borne  for  two  years  upon  his  limbs  imprest. 

When  God,  allotting  him  such  benison. 

Vouchsafed  to  draw  him  to  the  meed  above 
That  he  had  gained  by  being  a  lowly  one. 

Unto  his  brethren,  as  right  heirs  thereof. 

Bequeathed  he  all  his  wealth,  his  Lady  dear. 
Bidding  them  hold  fidelity  in  love; 

And  from  her  breast  the  lofty  spirit  clear 
Desired  to  pass  to  its  own  realm  divine. 
And  for  its  body  willed  no  other  bier. 

Judge  now  the  worth  of  one  who  could  combine 
With  him  to  pilot  over  the  high  seas 
The  Bark  of  Peter  by  the  starry  sign ! 

Such  was  our  Patriarch;  and  they  who  please 
To  follow  him,  obeying  his  command. 
Take  on  such  freight  of  good  commodities. 

But  now  so  greedy  is  become  his  band 

For  novel  fodder,  nothing  can  withhold 

The  sheep  from  roaming  through  wild  pasture-land; 

And  these,  the  more  by  distant  lure  cajoled. 

And  truant  more  from  him  in  field  and  wood. 
Emptier  of  milk  return  they  to  the  fold. 

Some  truly,  boding  evil  likelihood, 

Cleave  closely  to  the  Shepherd,  but  so  few 
That  scanty  cloth  would  furnish  every  hood. 

Now,  if  I  fail  not  of  my  meaning  true. 
If  an  attentive  listener  thou  art. 
And  if  thy  memory  the  words  review. 

Will  thy  desire  be  satisfied  in  part. 

For  thou  wilt  see  what  plant  they  chip  away. 
And  thou  wilt  take  the  reprimand  to  heart : 

'Where  is  good  fattening,  if  they  do  not  stray.* " — 


Sealed  with  the 
stigmata  of  the 
Crucified  God 


Judge  of  the 
worth  of  my 
master  Dominic^ 
icorthy  colleague 
of  such  a  saint 


Degenerate 


Jr 


350 


Paradiso 


The  greed  Doc- 
Una  of  the 
Divine  forming 
a  double  halo  of 
circling  and 
singing  flames 


Speaks  the 
Franciscan 
Doctor  Sera- 
phicus,  St. 
Bonaventura, 
in  praise  of 
Dominic 


XII 

The  Canto  of  St.  Dominic 

Before  the  final  cadence  ceased  to  sound 
Forth  from  the  blessed  spirits  radiant. 
Began  the  holy  millstone  to  whirl  round. 

But  of  full  circling  something  yet  did  want. 
When  now  another  ring  around  it  fuses 
And  matches  dance  with  dancing,  chant  with  chant. 

Chant  that  as  passing  far  excels  our  muses. 
Our  sirens,  in  those  mellow  flutings  blew, 
As  the  first  sunbeam  by  reflection  loses. 

As  curve  two  bows  the  filmy  cloud-rack  through. 
Both  parallel  in  line  and  color,  done 
As  Juno  bids  her  maid  the  picture  do. 

The  outer  taking  birth  from  the  inner  one 

In  hues  reechoed  like  that  wandering  voice 
Consumed  by  love,  as  vapor  by  the  sun. 

Giving  mankind  a  signal  to  rejoice 

That  what  God  promised  Noah  shall  abide. 
Whence  deluge  nevermore  the  world  destroys: 

So  the  two  garlands  bright  about  us  pUed 
Of  roses  an  eternal  coronal. 
And  the  cuter  to  the  inner  so  replied. 

Then,  when  the  dance  and  lofty  festival 

Both  of  the  flaming  lights  and  of  the  quires 
Light  beside  light  jocund  and  blithesome,  all 

Of  one  accord  grew  quiet,  song  and  fires 

(Even  as  the  eyelids  cannot  choose  but  shut 
Or  lift  themselves  again  as  will  requires). 

From  one  of  the  new  lights  a  voice  came  out. 
Which  made  me,  needle  to  that  pole,  incline 
My  body  roimd  toward  its  whereabout; 

And  it  began :  "The  Love  that  makes  me  shine 
Prompts  me  to  laud  the  other  Leader  great, 
For  whose  sake  here  is  spoken  fair  of  mine. 


Life  of  Dominic  351  \ 

Each  with  the  other  should  be  celebrate 
That,  as  united  they  were  miUtant, 

Their  glory  may  together  radiate.  \ 

The  army  of  Christ,  at  cost  exorbitant  ] 

Equipt  anew,  was  moving  slow  of  pace  i 

Mistrustful,  and  too  few  the  flag  to  plant,  \ 

When  He  who  kings  it  over  time  and  space  \ 

Provided  for  His  knighthood  jeopardied,  ] 

Not  for  their  worth,  but  only  of  His  Grace;  1 

Coming,  as  said,  to  succor  of  His  Bride 

With  champions  twain,  whose  prowess  and  behest 
RalHed  the  stragglers  who  had  turned  aside. 

Where  first  the  winds  breathe  gently  from  the  west  : 

To  open  the  fresh  foliage  of  spring,  j 

Whence  smiles  Europa  being  newly  drest,  \ 

Not  far  from  where  the  waves  are  thundering 

Wherein  the  sun,  because  his  course  is  great,  \ 

Somewhile  from  man  concealed  is  slumbering,  j 

There  Calahorra  sits,  the  fortunate,  ] 

Protected  by  the  great  escutcheon  where  ] 

The  Hon  doth  succumb  and  subjugate.                       Bxyyal  arms  \ 

Therein  was  brought  to  birth  the  lover  dear                       ^/  Castile  v 

Of  Christian  Faith,  athlete  in  holiness,  ] 

Kind  to  his  own,  to  enemies  severe.  1 

Such  life-power  in  his  mother  did  possess 

The  infant  spirit  at  its  first  creation  ] 
As  to  transform  her  to  a  prophetess. 

Fulfilled  at  holy  font  the  declaration  \ 

Between  him  and  the  Faith,  of  sacrament  i 

Wherein  each  pledged  the  other  with  salvation,  ; 

The  woman  who  for  him  had  given  assent  \ 

Beheld  the  admirable  fruit,  in  dream,  1 

Of  him  and  of  his  heirs;  and  with  intent  \ 

That  what  he  was  he  might  in  grammar  seem, 
A  spirit  went  bearing  the  possessive  word 

Of  his  Possessor  hence  to  christen  him,  ; 


352                               Paradiso  ] 

And  called  him  Dominic:  for  I  record 

The  story  of  the  husbandman  whom  Christ  | 

No  other  word             Chose  for  his  aid  in  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  j 

H^M^thf     True  messenger  he  seemed  and  friend  of  Christ,  ! 

name  of  Christ  For  the  first  love  obtaining  masterdom 

aid  ^eMe^l)         .    ^^  ^^^\  ^as  the  first  counsel  given  by  Christ.  | 

His  nurse  discovered  him,  awake  and  dumb,  i 

Many  a  time  recumbent  on  the  ground,  ' 

As  who  should  say,  *To  this  end  am  I  come!*  ; 

O  thou,  his  father,  Felix  truly  found !  \ 

And  thou,  his  mother,  verily  art  Joan,  j 

If  that  interpretation  be  the  sound.  ] 

Not  as  men  now  are  spent  for  worldly  boon  ■] 

AutJiarities  in             Following  Thaddeus  and  the  Ostian,  ; 

medicine  and              g^^  loving  the  true  manna,  very  soon  i 

canon  law  {the                                  .                                         'J  ' 

Decretals).  Cf.    He  grew  a  mighty  teacher,  and  began  ^ 

Tclnto^'''^^          About  the  vineyard  to  be  vigilant,  I 
Where  bleach  the  vines  if  bad  the  husbandman; 

And  of  the  Seat  that  once  to  righteous  want  < 

Benigner  was  (not  by  her  own  offense  | 

^ow«f«^«  the               But  that  of  her  degenerate  occupant!),  l 

He  begged, — not  two  or  three  for  six  dispense. 

Not  income  of  first  vacant  benefice  | 

Not  tithes,  of  God's  own  pKX)r  the  competence, —  ] 

But  leave  against  the  world,  that  goes  amiss,  j 

To  battle  for  the  Faith,  from  seed  whereof  i 

Sprang  twice  twelve  plants  that  garland  thee  with  ] 

bliss.  ; 

Then,  both  with  learning  and  with  zealous  love,  j 
By  apostolical  authority. 

Like  torrent  urged  by  fountain  up  above,  j 

Dasht  in  among  the  shoots  of  heresy,  j 

Smiting  with  greater  vehemence,  the  more  j 

Resistance  proved  to  be  refractory.  J 

From  him  thenceforward  various  runnels  pour  ^ 

To  irrigate  the  Catholic  garden  spot,  j 
Making  its  bushes  greener  than  before. 


Eighth 


The  Outer  Garland  of  Lusters 


353 


If  such  was  one  wheel  of  the  Chariot 

Wherein  rode  Holy  Church  for  her  defense 
Over  the  field  where  civil  strife  was  hot, 

Clearly  shouldst  thou  perceive  the  excellence 

Of  the  other  wheel,  which  Thomas  had  discussed 
Before  I  came,  with  courteous  eloquence. 

But  where  the  outmost  rim  was  wont  to  thrust 
Its  pressure,  is  the  track  deserted, — so 
That  now  there  is  the  mold  where  was  the  crust. 

His  household,  who  set  forward  straight  to  go 
With  feet  upon  his  prints,  are  turned  again 
So  that  they  set  the  heel  upon  the  toe; 

And  by  the  harvesting  will  soon  be  seen 

How  bad  the  tillage,  when  the  tare  will  rue 
Because  it  is  excluded  from  the  bin. 

Yet,  whosoever  search  our  volume  through 

Leaf  after  leaf,  might  chance  some  page  upon, 
Reading,  *To  what  I  was  remain  I  true!' 

But  from  Casal  or  Acquasparta  none. 

Whence  come  they  who  the  writing  so  apply 
That  one  lets  loose,  and  draws  it  tighter  one. 

The  effluence  of  Bonaventura  am  I, 
From  Bagnorea,  who  did  evermore 
Put  last  the  left-hand  care  in  office  high. 

Here,  of  the  earliest  of  the  barefoot  poor, 
Illuminato  and  Augustin,  made  dear 
To  God  while  circled  with  the  cord  of  yore. 

Hugh  of  Saint  Victor  is  among  them  here, 

And  Peter  Mangiadore,  and  Peter  of  Spain 
Who  in  twelve  books  down  there  is  shining  clear. 

The  Prophet  Nathan,  Metropolitan 

Chrysostom,  Anselm,  that  Donatus  who 
Stooped  to  the  first  art,  a  grammarian; 

Here  is  Rabanus,  here  beside  me  too 

Shines  the  Calabrian  abbot  Joachim, 
Gifted  with  spirit  of  prophetic  view. 


The  two  wheels 
of  the  Chariot 
of  the  Church 


A  violent  shift 
of  metaphar! 
Dante,  like 
Shakespeare, 
often  defies  the 
rules  of  the 
rhetoricians 


The  houseJiold  of 
Francis  going 
back  on  their 
tracks 


Acquasparta  re- 
laxed the  Rule  of 
the  order;  Casale 
vx)uld  have 
made  it  more 
rigid 


The  other  lights 
of  the  outer 
wreath  of  saints 


354  Paradiso 

In  rivaby  such  Paladin  to  hymn. 

Moved  me  with  courtesy-enkindled  mood 
Friar  Thomas,  by  the  fair  discourse  of  him. 

And  with  me  prompted  all  this  Brotherhood." — 


How  the  Double  Garland  Looked 


355 


XIII 

St.  Thomas  Aquinas  Gives  a  Lesson  in  Relativity 

Let  any  fancy,  who  would  fain  not  balk 

At  what  I  now  beheld,  and  hold  the  sign 
Firm  as  a  rock  before  him  while  I  talk. 

Fifteen  stars  that  in  various  quarters  shine 
And  so  the  sky  with  their  effulgence  steep, 
They  pierce  the  densest  cloud-rack  vespertine; 

Fancy  that  Wain  whereto  the  bosom  deep 

Gf  our  own  Heaven  suffices  night  and  morn. 
Punctual  to  the  wain-pole's  mighty  sweep; 

Fancy  thereto  the  opening  of  that  horn 

Commencing  at  the  axle's  point,  whereby 
The  Primal  Wheel  is  still  revolving  borne; 

Fancy  these  made  two  clusters  in  the  sky 

Like  that  one  which  the  daughter  of  Minos  made 
When,  chilled,  she  felt  herself  about  to  die, — 

One  cluster  with  the  other  garlanded 

And  in  such  fashion  whirling  both  the  two 
That  one  was  leader  and  the  other  led : 

Then  will  he  have  some  shadow  of  the  true 

Star  clusters,  as  in  counter-dance  they  gleam. 
Circling  the  point  that  I  was  rooted  to. 

Since  these  outstrip  the  things  we  see  or  dream. 

As  does  that  Heaven  which  is  the  swiftest  o*er  us 
The  moving  of  Chiana's  oozy  stream. 

Not  Bacchus,  not  Apollo  was  their  chorus. 
But  Persons  three  in  being  all  divine. 
In  one,  divine  and  human,  to  restore  us. 

The  song  and  circle  measured,  turned  in  fine 
To  us  those  holy  lusters,  more  by  token 
Passing  from  heed  to  heed  with  joy  benign. 

'Mid  those  concordant  powers  was  silence  broken 
Then  by  that  light  whence  the  achievements  of 
The  marvelous  mendicant  of  God  were  spoken: 


The  double  gar' 
land  of  saints; 
agronomical 
comparison  (cf. 
the  comparison 
beginning 
Canto  xii) 


The  horn  is  the 
constellation  of 
the  LitHe  Bear 


See  note  about 
the  Chiana, 
Inf.  xxix 


356 


Paradiso 


St.  Thomas 
Aquinas  now 
explains  his 
attribution  of 
highest  laisdom 
to  Solomon 

(x,  m) 


Adam  and 
Christ,  both 
direct  creations 
of  the  Divine, 
must  have  been 
superior  in 
vyisdom  to 
Solomon 


"A  religious 
hymn  breathing 
the  sense  of 
mystery  that 
surrounds  the 
Divine^ 
(Torraca) 


"One  sheaf  being  thrasht/'  the  words  fell  from  above, 
"And  that  its  grain  is  to  the  garner  gone. 
To  beat  the  other  beckons  me  dear  love. 

Thou  thinkest  of  the  bosom  whence  was  drawn 
The  rib  wherewith  to  fashion  the  fair  face 
Whose  palate  cost  the  world  so  dear  a  pawn, — 

And  of  that  lance-pierct  bosom,  by  whose  grace 
Sin  past  and  future  was  so  compensated 
That  the  atonement  in  the  scale  outweighs, — 

Thou  thinkest  man  may  be  illuminated 

By  no  more  light  than  was  infused  in  those 
By  that  same  Power  who  both  of  them  created: 

And  hence  thy  wonder  when  my  story  goes 

That  the  Fifth  Light  with  knowledge  so  profound 
Was  gifted,  that  *No  second  ever  rose.' 

Open  thine  eyes  now  and  behold  how  bound 
Is  thy  belief  with  what  I  shall  reply. 
Both  in  the  truth  like  center  in  the  round. 

That  which  can  die,  and  that  which  cannot  die, 
Are  nothing  save  the  splendor  of  that  Word 
In  love  begotten  by  our  Father  High; 

Because  that  Living  Light  which  is  transferred 
So  from  its  Source,  it  may  not  be  undone 
From  it  or  from  that  Love  which  is  their  third. 

Its  mirrored  rays  by  its  own  benison 

In  nine  subsistencies  together  brings. 
Itself  eternally  abiding  One. 

Thence  passes  through  successive  lowerings 
To  the  ultimate  potential  elements, 
Producing  naught  but  brief  contingent  things; 

And  these  contingent  things  I  take  in  sense 
Of  things  from  seed  engendered  animal. 
Or  void  of  seed,  through  heavenly  influence. 

The  wax  of  these,  and  that  which  molds  it  all, 
Are  variable,  since  less  and  more  hath  shined 
Beneath  the  stamp  the  idea  original; 


Wisdom  of  Solomon 


357 


Whence  comes  about  that,  after  its  own  kind, 

The  selfsame  tree  bears  worse  and  better  fruit. 
And  ye  are  born  endowed  with  various  mind. 

Now  were  the  wax  exactly  worked  to  suit. 

Did  stars  supreme  their  influence  assemble. 
The  luster  of  the  seal  were  absolute; 

But  Nature  mars, — wherein  she  doth  resemble 
The  craftsman  who  about  his  labor  goes 
And  keeps  the  knack,  although  his  fingers  tremble. 

Yet  if  the  fervent  Love  seal  and  dispose 

Clear  insight  of  the  Primal  Power,  achieved 
Perfection  on  that  substance  fully  shows. 

Dust  of  the  ground,  made  worthy  thus,  received 
Full  animal  perfection  once  therethrough; 
Thus  wrought  upon,  the  Virgin  once  conceived. 

So  that  I  give  my  sanction  to  thy  view 

That  human  nature  never  yet  has  been. 
Nor  can  be,  such  as  in  those  persons  two. 

Now  if  no  farther  forward  should  I  win, 

*How  then  consider  him  without  a  peer?' 
Upon  this  question  would  thy  words  begin. 

But  to  see  clearly  what  is  not  yet  clear, 

Think  who  he  was  and  why  petitioning 
^Vhen  he  was  bidden  ask  the  guerdon  dear. 

Thus  have  I  spoken  but  exhibiting 

That  he  was  king,  and  asked  for  plenitude 
Of  wisdom  to  become  a  worthy  king, — 

Not  for  the  number  of  the  multitude 

Moving  these  spheres,  nor  if  necesse  chained 
With  a  contingent  ever  could  conclude. 

Nor  if  prime  motion  is  to  be  maintained. 
Nor  if  in  semicircle  could  be  drawn 
Triangle,  save  right  angle  be  retained. 

Whence,  taking  this  with  my  discourse  foregone, 
A  kingly  prudence  is  that  peerless  prize 
The  shaft  of  my  intention  hits  upon. 


St  Thomas 
now  "dis- 
tinguishss'^ 


The  four  high- 
est branches  of 
knowledge,  as 
taught  at  the 
University  then: 
theology,  logic, 
metaphysic, 
geometry 

Solomon  asked 
and  got  prac- 
tical wisdom  for 
his  trade  of  king 


358 


Paradiso 


The  applica- 
iion:  warning 
against  igno- 
tant  reading  and 
snap  judgments 


*Donna  Berta  o 
Ser  Mariino" 


And  if  on  *rose*  thou  turnst  discerning  eyes, 
Thou  wilt  perceive  that  it  is  spoken  of 
Kings, — who  are  many,  and  but  few  the  wise. 

Thus  qualified,  in  what  I  said  above 

Agreement  with  thy  view  is  found  complete 
As  to  our  primal  Sire  and  Him  we  love. 

Let  this  be  ever  lead  upon  thy  feet 

To  make  thee  like  a  weary  man  move  slow 
When  Yes  and  No  the  inner  vision  cheat; 

For  he  among  the  fools  is  very  low 

Who  affirms  or  who  denies  in  either  kind 
Without  distinction  of  the  Yes  and  No, 

Since  often  to  false  bias  are  inclined 
Opinions  men  too  hastily  attain, 
And  mere  conceit  then  trammels  up  the  mind. 

His  putting  forth  from  shore  is  worse  than  vain 
Who  wanting  skill  goes  fishing  for  the  true, 
Since  as  he  went  returns  he  not  again; 

Melissus  gives  the  proof  of  this  to  view, 

And  Bryson  and  Parmenides,  who  reckt 
Not  of  their  goal,  however  fast  they  flew. 

So  with  Sabellius,  Arius,  and  each  sect 

Of  fools  who  were  as  swords  to  Scripture  pure, 
Distorting  features  otherwise  correct. 

I^t  folk  in  judgment  never  be  too  sure, 

As  when  into  the  field  the  peasant  goes 
To  reckon  up  the  ears  not  yet  mature; 

For  I  have  seen  beneath  the  winter  snows 

The  wild  brier  rugged  seem,  and  troublesome. 
And  then  upon  its  summit  bear  the  rose; 

And  once  I  saw  a  gallant  vessel  come 

Straight  over-seas,  completing  her  emprise, 
To  perish  entering  the  port  at  home. 

Seeing  one  thieve,  another  sacrifice. 

Let  not  Dame  Joan  and  Gaffer  John  presume 
To  penetrate  them  with  divining  eyes. 

For  one  may  rise,  the  other  fall  to  doom." — 


The  Glorified  Body 


359 


XIV 

The  Spiritual  Body.  Galaxy  of  the  Cross  in  Mars 

From  center  unto  rim,  or  back  about. 

Vibrates  the  water  in  a  rounded  vase. 
As  smitten  from  within  or  from  without. 

Into  my  mind  came  suddenly  the  case 

That  here  I  moot,  soon  as  the  effluence 
Of  glorious  Saint  Thomas  held  his  peace, 

Because  of  hkeness  in  the  incidence 

Of  his  discourse  and  that  of  Beatrice, 
Whom  it  pleased  after  him  thus  to  commence: 

"This  man  has  need  (yet  does  not  tell  you  this 
Either  by  voice  or  thinking)  to  pursue 
Another  truth  to  where  it  rooted  is. 

Inform  him  if  the  light  which  doth  endue 

Your  substance  with  its  blossom,  will  remain 
As  now  it  is  forevermore  with  you; 

And  if  it  shall  remain  with  you,  explain 

How  ye  can  bear  it  and  conserve  your  sight 
When  ye  shall  be  made  visible  again." — 

Just  as,  impelled  by  urgence  of  delight. 

They  who  are  wheeling  in  the  dance  as  one, 
Lift  up  the  voice  and  make  the  movement  light. 

So  at  the  prompt  devoted  orison 

The  holy  rings  gave  proof  of  rapture  new, 
Turning  in  wondrous  choral  unison. 

Whoso  laments  our  death  down  here,  therethrough 
To  win  new  life  above,  did  never  see 
Refreshment  here  of  the  eternal  dew. 

That  ever-living  One  and  Two  and  Three 

Reigning  in  Three  Two  One  beyond  all  date. 
Unbounded  and  all-bounding  Trinity, 

Did  each  among  those  spirits  celebrate 

Three  times,  with  such  melodious  utterance 
As  were  fit  meed  for  merit  passing  great. 


The  voice  of 
Thomas  had 
c&mefrom  the 
rim;  that  of 
Beatrice  flows 
back  from  the 
center 


360                               Paradiso  ] 

i 

And  where  divinest  was  the  radiance  \ 

Of  the  inner  ring,  a  quiet  voice  replies  j 

(To  Mary  such  the  Angel's  voice  perchance !) :  ; 

The  mystery  of    "Long  as  the  festival  of  Paradise  i 

todf^fifthe              ^^^^^  ^^^^  continuance,  so  long  our  love  i 

resurrection                 Engarments  us  with  such  a  radiant  guise.  "\ 

Its  brightness  will  keep  pace  with  movement  of  i 

Our  zeal,  and  zeal  with  vision,  which  is  full  1 

As  it  has  grace  its  proper  worth  above.  ] 

When  with  the  glorious  holy  flesh  the  soul  1 

Shall  be  reclothed,  our  personality  i 

WiU  dearer  grow,  since  wholly  beautiful.  ', 

Thereby  will  wax  the  light,  that  largess  free  ' 

Vouchsafed  us  by  Supremest  Excellence,  ; 

Light  which  enables  us  His  Face  to  see;  \ 

Wherefore  the  vision  needs  must  wax  intense,  ] 

The  fervor  wax  that  from  the  vision  came,  ■ 
And  wax  the  radiance  proceeding  thence. 

But  even  as  a  firebrand,  darting  flame,  : 

Is  by  its  living  glow  victorious  ; 
So  that  its  visible  form  remains  the  same. 

So  will  this  luster  now  enswathing  us  i 

Be  vanquisht  by  the  flesh,  that  now  from  sight  j 

This  many  a  day  by  earth  is  covered  thus.  i 

Nor  can  we  weary  of  so  great  a  light;  ] 

Strong  shall  the  bodily  organs  be  concerning  j 

All  that  may  minister  to  our  delight." —  ] 

So  ready  and  with  such  an  eager  burning  I 

To  cry  "Amen"  appeared  to  me  both  quires,  .- 

As  for  the  mortal  body  showed  their  yearning,  \ 

Not  for  themselves  alone,  but  for  their  sires  j 

And  mothers  and  perchance  for  others  dear  i 

Ere  they  became  imperishable  fires.  ' 

And  lo !  a  luster  all  around,  of  sheer  , 

Surpassing  splendor  dawned  upon  the  view,  ' 

Like  an  horizon  that  is  growing  clear.  - 


Tlie  Cross  in  Mars 


361 


And  even  as  at  early  nightfall,  new 

Gleamings  begin  to  spot  the  sky  again, 
While  true  appears  the  vision,  yet  not  true, 

Methought  up  there,  beginning  to  grow  plain. 
Novel  existences,  a  circling  host 
Outside  of  those  circumferences  twain. 

O  very  sparkling  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 

Smiting  mine  eyes  with  such  an  instant  flare 
They  might  not  brook  it,  in  the  luster  lost! 

But  Beatrice  showed  so  smiling  and  so  fair. 
It  must  be  left  with  visions  that  elude 
The  memory,  which  cannot  follow  there. 

Therefrom  mine  eyes,  resuming  aptitude 

To  lift  their  lids,  showed  me  with  her  alone 
Lifted  to  loftier  beatitude. 

That  I  was  lifted  to  a  higher  zone 

Was  told  me  by  that  star's  enkindled  smile 
Which  ruddily  beyond  the  common  shone. 

In  that  deep  language  of  the  heart  whose  style 
Is  one  in  all,  to  God  I  here  addrest 
Oblation  for  the  gift  bestowed  the  w^hile; 

Nor  yet  was  consummated  in  my  breast 
The  sacrifice,  before  I  knew  the  prayer 
To  be  propitious  and  with  favor  blest. 

For  with  a  rubeate  glory  past  compare 

Showed  splendors  forth,  within  two  rays  of  light. 
Such  that  I  cried :  "O  Sun  that  makes  them  fair !" 

As,  'twixt  the  two  poles  of  the  world,  gleams  white 
The  Galaxy  with  less  and  greater  stars. 
Putting  in  doubt  the  very  erudite, 

Thus,  constellated  in  the  depth  of  Mars, 

Fashioned  those  rays  the  venerated  sign 
Formed  in  a  round  by  crossing  quadrant  bars. 

Here  conquers  memory  all  wit  of  mine: 

Because  that  Cross  was  lamping  so  with  Christ 
I  cannot  find  similitude  condign; 


The  9mile  of 
Beatrice  always 
marks  the  rise 
into  a  higher 
sphere 


The  ruddy 
Heaven  of  Mars 


Imagine  the 
"Milky  Wa7f 
in  the  form  of 
a  Cross 


For  the  rime 
cf.  Canto  xii 


362 


Paradiso 


Hymn  cf  the 
Warrior-Saints 


Because  Ihe 
eyes  of  Beatrice 
reflect  the 
Divine  {cf. 
Purg.  xxxi, 
ihe  closing 
strain) 


But  whoso  takes  his  cross  and  follows  Christ 
Shall  yet  forgive  me  what  I  leave  unsaid. 
Seeing  that  dawnlight  flashing  with  the  Christ. 

From  arm  to  arm,  and  between  base  and  head, 
Lights  were  in  motion,  brightly  scintillant. 
Passing  and  counterchanging  as  they  sped. 

So  swift  and  slow  and  level  and  aslant 

Are  seen  here,  ever  altering  their  mien. 
The  atomies  of  bodies  long  or  scant 

Adance  upon  the  ray  that  cleaves  the  screen 
Of  shadow  often,  which  for  their  defending 
Men  cause  by  handicraft  to  intervene. 

And,  as  the  harp  or  violin,  with  blending 

Of  many  chords,  sweet  tinkling  makes  to  him 
Who  hears  the  music  without  comprehending. 

So  from  the  hghts  there  shining  bright  or  dim 
Gathered  along  the  Cross  a  melody 
That  raptured  me,  obHvious  of  the  hymn. 

High  laud  it  was, — so  much  was  clear  to  me. 
Because  "Arise  and  conquer^'  was  the  strain 
Which  still  I  heard  uncomprehendingly. 

So  charmed  was  I  therewith  that  until  then 

Naught  had  there  ever  been  that  could  impose 
On  me  the  fetters  of  so  sweet  a  chain. — 

Perchance  too  bold  appear  such  words  as  those, 
Disparaging  the  charm  of  those  fair  eyes 
Gazing  wherein  my  longing  has  repose. 

But  whoso  comprehends  how  as  they  rise 
Those  living  seals  of  all  things  loveliest 
Augment,  nor  had  I  turned  to  that  emprise, 

May  excuse  me  from  the  accusation,  stressed. 
But  to  excuse  me,  thus  my  truth  approving; 
For  here  is  not  cast  out  the  rapture  blest. 

Becoming  ever  purer  upward  moving. 


Cacciaguida 

XV 


Dante's  Ancestor  Begins  the  Sketch  of  the  Men 
AND  Manners  of  Old  Florence 

Benignant  will,  resolved  into  the  blest 

Love  whence  forever  benefactions  flow. 
As  greed  in  wicked  will  is  manifest. 

Laid  silence  on  that  tuneful  lyre,  and  so 

Withheld  those  holy  chords  from  sounding  on. 
That  Heaven's  right  hand  now  twitches,  now  lets  go. 

How  can  be  deaf  to  righteous  orison 

Those  Beings  who,  to  open  wide  the  door 
For  my  petition,  paused  in  unison? 

'Tis  right  he  should  eternally  deplore 

Who,  out  of  love  for  what  does  not  abide, 
Forfeits  that  other  love  forevermore. 

As  through  the  pure  and  tranquil  eventide 
A  flash  is  seen  from  time  to  time  to  race. 
Setting  the  calmest  eyelids  staring  wide. 

Appearing  like  a  star  that  changes  place. 

Save  that,  where  first  enkindled  is  its  light 
Nothing  is  missed,  and  it  goes  out  apace, — 

So  shot  from  the  arm  extending  to  the  right 
To  bottom  of  the  cross,  a  star  of  them 
That  make  the  constellation  there  so  bright; 

Downward  it  ran  along  the  radiant  stem 
Like  fire  in  alabaster  shining  through. 
Nor  from  the  fillet  once  broke  forth  the  gem. 

Such  love  the  shade  of  old  Anchises  drew. 
If  credit  we  our  poet  passing  great. 
When  in  Elysium  his  son  he  knew. 

"O  kinsman  mine!     Grace  incommensurate 
Upon  thee  shed !  to  whom,  as  unto  thee. 
Was  ever  opened  twice  the  Heavenly  gate?" — 

So  spake  that  light;  whence  thereto  eagerly 

I  turned, — then  to  my  Lady, — in  such  wise 
That  from  both  quarters  awe  came  over  me; 


The  light  of 
Dante  s  greatest 
ancestor  falls 
down  the  shaft 
of  the  mystic 
cross  like  a 
"shooting  star^ 


364 


Paradiso 


The  Great  Book 
in  which  he 
reads,  the  Mir- 
ror in  which 
they  gaze,  are 
images  of  the 
Divine  Mind 


For  such  a  smile  was  glowing  in  her  eyes 

That,  with  mine  own,  methought   I  touched  the 

bound 
Both  of  my  grace  and  of  my  Paradise. 

Thereafter,  blithe  of  look  and  blithe  of  sound. 
That  soul  to  salutation  added  speech 
Past  my  conception,  it  was  so  profound; 

Of  choice  concealed  he  not  what  he  would  teach, 
But  force  perforce,  because  the  lofty  sense 
So  overshot  the  mark  of  mortal  reach. 

But  when  the  bow  of  burning  love  less  tense 

Became,  and  his  discourse  came  down  and  stood 
Upon  the  plane  of  our  intelligence. 

The  first  expression  that  I  imderstood 

Was:  "Benediction  on  Thee,  Trine  and  One, 
For  guerdoning  my  kinsman  with  such  good !" — 

"A  grateful  and  long  fast,"  he  followed  on, 

"From  reading  the  Great  Book  where  black  on  white 
Is  set  down  ineffaceably,  my  son. 

Hast  thou  now  satisfied  within  this  light 

I  hail  thee  from,  thanks  to  her  favor  who 
Clad  thee  with  plumage  for  the  lofty  flight. 

Thou  deemest  that  thy  thought  to  me  flows  through 
From  the  First  Cause,  even  as  from  unity. 
If  that  be  known,  the  five  and  six  to  you, 

Not  asking  who  I  am,  nor  why  in  me 
Appears  a  gratulation  more  elate 
Than  elsewhere  in  this  jocund  company. 

Thou  deemest  true:   in  this  life  small  and  great 
Are  gazing  in  that  Mirror  whence,  before 
Thou  thinkest,  thy  reflections  emanate. 

But  that  the  Holy  Love  mine  eyes  adore 
In  vigil  never  broken,  hunger-spent 
With  sweet  desire,  may  be  fulfilled  the  more, 

O  let  thy  voice,  secure,  glad,  confident. 

For  will  and  yearning  find  the  fitting  word 
Whereto  is  predetermined  my  consent." — 


Florence  in  tJie  Good  Old  Time 


365 


Thereon  I  turned  to  Beatrice,  who  heard 

Before  I  spake  and  gave  assent,  whereby 
The  growing  wings  of  my  desire  were  stirred. 

"When  dawned  on  you  the  Prime  Equahty, 
Love  and  intelHgence  for  each  of  you 
Became  of  equal  poise," — so  answered  I; 

"Because  the  Sun  that  lit  and  warmed  you  through 
Holds  in  its  heat  and  light  such  balance  fit 
That  all  comparison  falls  short  of  true. 

But  mortal  wing  of  wiU  and  wing  of  wit, 
For  reason  well  apparent  to  your  sight. 
Fail  of  the  balanced  pinions  requisite. 

Whence  I,  who  with  the  heart  alone  requite 
Thy  dear  paternal  welcome,  feel  my  lame 
Mortal  disparity  of  will  and  might. 

I  do  entreat  thee,  living  topaz-flame. 
Set  as  a  gem  upon  this  jewel  choice. 
To  satisfy  my  craving  with  thy  name." — 

"O  leaf  of  mine,  who  made  me  even  rejoice 

Expecting  thee,  thy  root  behold  in  me !" — 
Beginning  thus,  replied  to  me  the  voice; 

Then  said :  "That  soul  who  gave  thy  family 

The  surname,  and  has  round  the  Mountain  gone 
On  the  first  terrace,  a  long  century. 

Was  thy  great-grandfather,  and  was  my  son : 
Befits  that  respite  thou  for  him  bespeak 
From  his  long  travail,  with  thy  orison. 

Florence,  encircled  by  her  wall  antique. 

Whence  tierce  and  nones  are  tolling  evermore. 
Lived  peaceable  and  temperate  and  meek. 

Her  arm  no  clasp,  no  crown  her  forehead  bore, 
No  silken  petticoat,  with  girdle  gay 
More  tempting  to  the  eye  than  she  who  wore. 

Not  yet  did  little  daughter's  birth  dismay 
The  father;  not  too  early  did  they  mate. 
Nor  yet  was  dowry  ruinous  to  pay. 


Dante  humbly 
urges  the  inade- 
quacy of  mortal 
vrit  to  discourse 
vyith  a  being  in 
whom  deed  bal- 
ances desire 


The  father  of 
Dante  s  great- 
grandfather tells 
of  the  social 
condition  of 
Florence  in  the 
eleventh  century 


366 


Paradiso 


Hills  from 
which  travelers 
from  the  north 
got  the  first  view 
of  Rome  and  of 
Florence 
Great  citizens  in 
their  day  (cf. 
Inf.  xvi,  37, 
and  next  canto) 


A  woman  of 
doubtful  repu- 
tation, and  a 
man  whom 
Dante  detested 


No  house  was  then  of  children  desolate; 
Not  yet  Sardanapalus  came  to  show 
What  in  a  chamber  he  can  perpetrate. 

Not  yet  outflown  was  Monte  Mario 

By  your  Uccelatoio, — ^which  as  outflown 
In  soaring  up,  shall  be  in  falling  low. 

I  saw  in  belt  of  skin  and  clasp  of  bone 
Bellincion  Berti,  and  his  lady  quit 
The  mirror  with  complexion  still  her  own; 

I  saw  the  Nerh  and  the  Vecchio  fit 

The  leathern  jerkin  with  good  countenance, 
With  spindle  and  with  flax  their  ladies  sit. 

0  happy  women !  each  yet  in  advance 

Siu-e  of  her  burial,  and  none  beguiled 
Of  comfort  in  her  bed  because  of  France. 

One,  keeping  watch  above  her  cradled  child, 
Would  soothe  it  with  the  babbling  idiom 
Whereto  the  fathers  and  the  mothers  smiled; 

And  one,  the  thread  from  distaff  drawing  home. 
Gathered  her  brood  and  prattled  fables  how 
Came  Trojans  to  Fiesole  and  Rome. 

A  marvel  then  Cianghella's  brazen  brow. 
Or  Lapo  Salterello,  as  complete 
As  Cincinnatus  and  Cornelia  now. 

To  life  of  citizen  in  house  and  street 

So  fair  and  quiet,  to  so  great  a  fame 
For  neighbor  loyalty,  to  home  so  sweet. 

My  mother  gave  me,  caUing  Mary's  name; 
And  so,  within  your  ancient  Baptistry, 
Christian  and  Cacciaguida  I  became. 

Moronto  and  Eliseo  brothered  me; 

My  Lady  came  from  Valley  of  the  Po, 
Whence  was  thy  surname  handed  down  to  thee. 

1  followed  Kaiser  Conrad  then,  with  so 

Good  service  that  he  belted  me  a  knight. 
So  much  my  prowess  made  his  favor  grow. 


A  Crusader  367 

Beneath  his  banner  followed  I  to  fight  Second  Crusade, 

That  m-famed  law  whose  folk  usurp  control,  B^rdmh 

To  pastors'  shame,  of  what  is  yours  by  right. 
There  disentangled  by  those  caitiffs  foul 

Was  I  from  the  delusive  world,  whose  quest 

Infatuate  debases  many  a  soul. 
And  came  from  martyrdom  unto  this  rest " — 


368 


Paradiso 


Dante  addresses 
his  ancestor  as 
if  he  were  royal 
{"you"  instead 
of'ihou'') 


Modern  Flor- 
ence is  the  city 
of  the  Baptist, 
as  the  ancient 
was  the  city  of 
Mars 


XVI 

"Old,  Unhappy,  Far-off  Things" 

O  petty  our  nobility  of  blood ! 

If  thou  prompt  men  to  make  their  boast  of  thee 

Down  here,  where  faints  our  yearning  for  the  good. 
Never  shall  this  seem  wonderful  to  me, 

For  where  desire  is  not  perverted,  yea 

In  Heaven  itself,  I  felt  such  vanity. 
In  truth,  thy  cloak  so  quicldy  shrinks  away. 

That,  add  we  not  a  frequent  piece  thereto, 

Time  with  the  shears  goes  round  it  day  by  day. 
With  YoUy  which  Rome  at  first  permitted,  YoUy 

Wherein  her  children  now  least  persevere, 

Proudly  began  I  my  discourse  anew, 
Whence  Beatrice,  a  Httle  distant  here. 

By  smiling  called  to  mind  that  dame  who  coughed 

At  first  recorded  fault  of  Guenevere. 
"You  are  my  Father,"  so  began  I  soft, 

"You  fill  me  for  discourse  with  courage  high, 

You  lift  me  far  above  myself  aloft. 
So  many  rivulets  are  pouring  joy 

Into  my  heart  that  happy  is  my  tongue 

Seeing  I  can  bear  and  not  be  rent  thereby. 
Tell  then,  beloved  root  whence  I  am  sprung, 

Who  were  your  forebears,  what  the  years  foregone 

That  signaHzed  themselves  when  you  were  young. 
Tell  me  about  the  sheepfold  of  Saint  John, 

What  were  the  numbers  and  who  were  the  folk 

Within  it  who  the  highest  places  won?" — 
As  if  by  breathing  of  the  wind  awoke 

Flame  in  a  coal,  so  did  I  see  that  blaze 

Kindle  at  the  caressing  words  I  spoke. 
And  growing  ever  fairer  to  my  gaze. 

With  sweeter  accent  gentlier  it  said. 

But  in  no  dialect  of  nowadays: 


Causes  of  Moral  Decline  of  Florence        369 


"From  the  first  Ave  to  that  childing-bed 

Whereon  my  mother,  now  ensainted,  through 
Dehvering  of  me  was  comforted, 

Five  hundred  times  and  fifty  and  thirty  drew 
'  This  circling  fire  to  its  own  Lion  apace. 
Beneath  his  paw  to  kindle  up  anew. 

My  sires  and  I  were  native  to  that  place 

Where  the  last  ward  first  intersects  the  course 
Of  the  hot  runner  in  your  annual  race. 

Enough  about  my  elders  this  perforce: 

For  as  to  whence  they  came  and  who  they  were, 
Silence  is  more  becoming  than  discourse. 

All  those  at  that  time  competent  to  bear 

Weapons,  the  Baptistry  and  Mars  between. 
Numbered  a  fifth  of  them  now  living  there. 

But  the  community,  where  intervene 
Campi,  Certaldo,  and  Figline  now. 
Pure  to  the  humblest  artisan  was  seen. 

O  how  much  better  let  such  neighbors  plow 
Around  Galluzzo,  and  let  your  border  lie 
At  Trespiano,  rather  than  allow 

Their  entrance,  so  to  be  offended  by 

The  stench  of  Aguglion,  and  Signals  clown. 
Who  has  for  jobbery  so  sharp  an  eye. 

Were  folk  who  most  on  earth  have  fallen  down 
Not  stepmother  to  Caesar,  but  instead 
Benignant,  like  true  mother  to  her  son. 

One,  made  a  Florentine  by  truck  and  trade. 

Would  have  turned  back  to  Semifonte  again. 
Where  went  about  his  grandsire  begging  bread. 

Still  would  the  Counts  on  Montemurlo  reign. 
The  Cerchi  be  in  Acone's  parish  still, 
Perchance  the  Buondelmonte  on  Greve's  plain. 

When  mingled  populations  overfill 

The  city,  evermore  begins  its  woe, 
As  added  victual  makes  the  body  ill. 


580  X  686+ 
{the  number  of 
our  days  re- 
quired for  the 
revolution  of  the 
planet  Mars) 
gives  about  1091 
as  the  birth-year 
of  Cacciaguida 


The  city  lay  be- 
tween the 
Church  of  St. 
John  and  the 
Ponte  Vecchio 
vyith  the  muti- 
lated statue  of 
Mars 


That  is  to  say,  j 

if  the  clergy  < 

had  kept  hands  ] 
off 


5 

1 

.i 

370                               Paradiso  \ 

And  the  blind  bullock  falls  more  headlong  low 

Than  the  blind  lamb,  and  more  one  sword  will  cleave. 

And  often  deeper  than  the  five  will  go.  j 

K  Luni  and  UrbisagUa  thou  perceive,  ! 

How  they  have  gone,  and  likewise  pass  away  \ 
Chiusi  and  SenigaUia,  to  believe 

That  in  Uke  fashion  families  decay  j 

Will  seem  opinion  neither  strange  nor  new,  i 

Seeing  that  even  cities  have  their  day.  i 

All  your  affairs  are  mortal,  even  as  you,  i 

The  very  brevity  of  life  concealing  ; 

In  some  the  creeping  steps  of  death  from  view;  ] 

And  as  the  lunar  heaven,  forever  wheeling,  j 

Covers  and  bares  incessantly  the  shore,  i 

So  fickle  Fortune  is  with  Florence  dealing.  j 

Hence  what  I  tell  should  seem  no  fable-lore  j 

Concerning  the  renowned  Florentines  ' 
Whose  fame  through  lapse  of  time  is  known  no  more.         j 

I  saw  the  Hugos,  saw  the  Catellines,  ] 

Filippi,  Greci,  Ormanni,  Alberichi  there,  I 

Illustrious  citizens  in  their  decHnes,  i 

And  saw,  as  mighty  as  they  ancient  were,  ] 

With  one  of  La  Sannella,  of  Area  one,  j 

Ardinghi  and  Bostichi  and  Soldanier.  j 

Above  the  gateway  newly  weighed  upon  j 
By  felony  so  heavy  in  its  shame 

That  from  the  bark  shall  soon  be  jettison,  ] 

The  Ravignani    Dwelt  then  the  Ravignani,  from  whom  came  \ 

Ihl^c^hthe  good           Count  Guido  down,  and  whoso  to  this  hour  ] 

Gualdrada  from          Has  taken  lofty  Bellincione's  name.  \ 

BMinoume         jj^  ^f  L^  p^.^^^^  ^j^^jy  ^^Ided  power  ; 

Already,  and  the  GaHgaio  claimed  J 
Sword-hilt  and  pummel  gilt  in  hall  and  bower. 
Greatly  the  pale  of  Minever  was  famed, 

Sacchetti,  Giuochi,  Fifanti,  and  Barucci,  \ 

And  Galli, — ^and  others  by  the  bushel  shamed.  j 


Origin  of  the  Factions                    371  : 

The  parent  stock  whence  budded  the  Calf  ucci  I 

Was  great  already,  and  to  curule  chair  j 

Already  draT\Ti  Sizii  and  Arrigucci.  / 

Ah,  mighty  did  I  see  them  who  despair  t 

Because  of  their  own  pride !  and  the  Balls  of  Gold  I 

In  all  her  prowess  made  our  Florence  fair. 

So  likewise  did  the  ancestors  of  old  ' 

Of  those  who,  when  your  see  is  vacant,  find  ' 

Fat  profit  by  abiding  in  the  fold.  ! 

That  haughty  breed,  so  dragon-fierce  behind  \ 

The  fugitive,  but  let  your  teeth  be  seen  \ 

Or  purse  belike,  seem  lambs,  they  grow  so  kind,  ] 

Was  on  the  rise,  although  from  people  mean, —  ! 

Whence  Ubertin  Donato  felt  disgrace  1 

When  his  wife's  father  made  them  kith  and  kin. 
Down  from  Fiesole  to  market-place 

Had  gone  now  Caponsacco, — ^Judah  there  ; 

And  Infangato,  burghers  in  good  grace.  ' 

Incredible,  yet  true,  what  I  declare :  ] 

The  little  circuit  had  an  entrance  way 

Called  after  them  whose  emblem  is  the  Pear.  \ 

All  wearers  of  the  fair  insignia  - 

Of  the  great  Peer,  whose  name  and  valor  grim 

The  feast  of  Thomas  calls  to  mind  today,  ': 

Knighthood  received  and  privilege  from  him;  ; 

Though  with  the  populace  today  unite  j 

That  man  who  guards  the  scutcheon  with  a  rim.  Giano  della          j 

HI? 

Gualterotti  and  Importuni  were  at  height;  "                  ^ 

And  had  they  for  new  neighbors  suffered  dearth  ^Ae  Amidei         ' 

More  tranquil  would  the  Borgo  be  tonight.  whose  murder       ^ 

The  house  from  which  your  tears  have  had  their  birth,  Buonddmorde 

Because  its  just  resentment  killed  your  joyance  for  slighting 

And  with  the  blood  of  many  stained  the  earth,  ^^^  fj.^^_          ! 

Was  honored  in  itself  and  its  alhance :  tional  origin  of     J 

O  Buondelmonte,  by  what  evil  daring  GuelT^T          ; 

Didst  flee  at  others'  prompting  its  affiance !  GhiheUine            » 


372 


Paradiso 


The  old  banner 
showed  a  white 
lily  in  a  red 
field;  the  Guelfs 
reversed  the 
colors.   See  the 
plates  of  the 
two  shields 


Glad  would  be  many  who  are  now  despairing, 
If  God  had  to  the  Ema  relegated 
Thyself,  when  first  toward  the  City  faring. 

But  meet  it  was  that  Florence  consecrated 

A  victim,  while  her  last  peace  was  prevailing. 
To  that  bridge-warding  marble  mutilated. 

With  folk  like  these,  nor  yet  were  others  failing. 
Did  I  see  Florence  in  such  deep  repose 
That  she  had  no  occasion  yet  for  wailing; 

I  saw  her  people  glorious  with  those. 

And  just,  so  that  the  Lily  never  stood 
Reversed  upon  the  lances  of  her  foes. 

Nor  dyed  vermilion  yet  by  party  feud.'^ — 


Note 

It  has  not  seemed  desirable  to  fill  the  margins  with  references  and 
explanations.  Those  interested  in  the  history  of  old  Florence  will 
know  where  to  look.  For  biographical  information  and  anecdote 
Toynbee's  Dictionary  is  the  obvious  repertory.  The  reader  will  find 
profit  in  looking  up  Bellincion  Berti  and  his  daughter,  the  good  Gual- 
drada  (Inf.  xvi,  37).  The  historical  student  soon  perceives  that  the 
viewpoint  in  these  cantos  is  very  much  that  of  an  old  Tory.  The  new 
families,  like  the  Cerchi,  were  often  useful  citizens.  And  the  institu- 
tion of  the  guilds  is  nowhere  here  referred  to,  although  economically, 
pKjIitically,  socially,  even  intellectually,  of  primary  importance  ami 
immeasurable  influence. 


Autobiography  of  Dante  373  j 

XVII  \ 

Dante*s  Exile  and  Justification 

As  who  makes  fathers  chary  of  undue 

Promise  to  children,  questioned  Clymene 

If  what  he  heard  against  himself  was  true. 
Even  such  was  I,  and  such  perceived  to  be 

By  Beatrice  and  by  the  Holy  Lamp 

Who  previously  had  changed  his  place  for  me. 
Then  said  my  Lady  to  me:  "Do  not  damp  I 

The  flame  of  thy  desire,  but  let  it  soar  | 

Well  making  manifest  the  inward  stamp; 
Not  that  thy  words  may  make  our  knowledge  more. 

But  that  thou  mayst  acquire  the  habitude 

To  tell  thy  thirst  that  we  for  thee  may  pour." —  ^ 

"Dear  parent  stock,  raised  to  such  altitude 

That,  as  to  earthly  minds  is  evident  ! 

No  triangle  may  two  obtuse  include,  j 

Thus  do  contingent  things  before  the  event 

Exist  for  thee,  still  gazing  where  take  head  i 

All  times  together  with  the  present  blent;  ] 

While  in  the  company  of  Virgil  led  I 

Up  and  along  the  spirit-healing  slope  ' 

And  down  throughout  the  region  of  the  dead, 
I  heard  discourses  grievous  in  their  scope 

Touching  the  remnant  of  my  life,  although  j 

Well  squared  against  the  blows  of  Chance  by  Hope :  j 

Wherefore  my  will  were  well  content  to  know  ; 

What  fortune  is  approaching  to  molest;  j 

For  bolt  foreshadowed  strikes  a  lighter  blow." —  \ 

So  to  that  selfsame  light  that  had  addrest  \ 

Beforehand  me,  I  said  as  willed  to  say  ^ 

By  Beatrice,  and  mine  own  will  confest.  i 

Not  with  blind  riddles  which  in  former  day  r^ 

Ensnared  the  credulous,  ere  yet  was  slain  | 

The  Lamb  of  God  who  takes  our  sins  away, 


374 


Paradiso 


Pope  Boniface 
Eighth 


Dante's  felUyw- 
exiles,  so  un- 
worthy that  he 
shakes  them  off 


But  with  clear  utterance  and  language  plain 
That  fatherly  affection  made  reply, 
In  his  own  smile  withdrawn  and  shown  again: 

"Contingency,  which  is  embounded  by 
The  volume  of  your  matter,  is  beheld 
All  pictured  forth  before  the  Eternal  Eye, 

Yet  not  thence  of  necessity  compelled, 

More  than  the  vessel  down  the  current  steering 
Is  by  the  mirror  in  the  eye  propelled. 

Therefrom  comes,  even  as  comes  upon  the  hearing 
Sweet  organ  music,  to  my  sight  the  course 
Of  time  already  now  for  thee  preparing. 

As  through  stepmother  proof  to  all  remorse 
Hippolytus  from  Athens  fled  of  old, 
So  out  of  Florence  shalt  thou  go  perforce. 

Already  this  is  willed  and  sought, — nay  hold 
It  good  as  done  by  him  who  plans  thy  fall 
Where  every  day  the  Christ  is  bought  and  sold. 

The  hue  and  cry  will  hound  as  usual 

The  party  wronged;  and  yet  shall  vengeance  give 
A  witness  to  the  truth  disj>ensing  all. 

Thou  art  to  forfeit  as  a  fugitive 

All  held  most  dear:  of  arrows  thou  must  bear. 
This  first  the  bow  of  banishment  lets  drive. 

Thou  shalt  make  proof  what  salt  and  bitter  fare 
Is  bread  of  others,  and  what  toils  attend 
The  going  up  and  down  another's  stair. 

But  what  will  heaviest  thy  shoulders  bend 
Will  be  the  senseless  company  malign 
With  whom  thou  wilt  to  such  a  pass  descend. 

Who,  ingrate  all  and  maddened,  will  combine 
In  fury  against  thee;  but  thereafter  soon 
Their  forehead  will  be  red  for  it,  not  thine. 

Their  brutishness  will  in  their  very  own 

Deeds  be  avoucht,  nor  will  thy  fame  be  blurred 
In  having  made  a  party  all  alone. 


Dante  in  Exile  375 

First  hospitality  shall  be  conferred 

On  thee  by  kindness  of  the  Lombard  great,  Barthohmew 

Who  on  the  ladder  bears  the  sacred  bird,  Sofv^ona 

Who  will  to  thee  be  so  considerate  and  Can 

That  of  the  wish  and  boon  between  you  two,  f^^  ^^ 

First  will  come  that  which  else  is  granted  late. 
Beside  him  shalt  thou  see  that  hero  who 

Took  from  this  mighty  star  at  birth  such  mold 

That  his  emprise  will  be  renowned  therethrough. 
His  worth  the  nations  do  not  yet  behold 

Because  his  age  is  tender, — ^years  but  nine 

These  wheeling  spheres  have  round  about  him  rolled. 
But  ere  the  Gascon  cunning  undermine  Clement  V  and 

The  noble  Henry,  sparkles  of  his  worth  ^^"^  ^^' 

In  scorn  of  lucre  and  of  toil  shall  shine. 
So  his  magnificence  shall  yet  show  forth, 

His  foes  will  not  be  so  predominant 

That  they  could  keep  report  of  it  from  birth. 
On  him  and  on  his  favors  do  thou  plant 

Thy  trust;  through  him  shall  many  change  degree. 

Altering  state,  both  rich  and  mendicant. 
And  bear  thou  written  in  thy  memory 

Of  him,  but  tell  it  not," — ^and  he  revealed 

Things  past  beheving,  even  of  those  who  see. 
Then  added :  "Son,  these  glosses  may  be  sealed 

To  what  was  told  thee;  snares  are  waiting  thus 

Behind  few  circles  of  the  spheres  concealed. 
Yet  be  not  of  thy  neighbors  envious. 

Seeing  thy  futiu-e  life  will  long  outlast  Dante's  fame 

The  forfeit  of  their  deeds  perfidious."—  predicted 

Soon  as  that  holy  soul  to  silence  passed, 

Showing  the  pattern  had  been  woven  above 

The  web  whereof  myself  the  warp  had  cast, 
Did  I  begin  like  one  misdoubting  of 

His  course,  who  craves  advice  from  one  of  those 

That,  seeing,  do  correctly  will,  and  love: 


376 


Paradiso 


Were  it  not 
'prudent  to  he 
a  timid  friend 
oj  truth"? 


^'lascia  pur 
grattar  dov^h 
la  rogna" 

Dante  must 
speak  out 


"Well  see  I,  Father,  how  my  time  of  woes 
To  deal  me  such  a  buffet  spurs  along 
As  is  the  heavier  when  one  heedless  goes; 

Whence  it  is  good  with  foresight  to  be  strong. 
That,  though  bereft  me  be  the  dearest  prize, 
I  forfeit  not  the  others  by  my  song. 

Down  through  the  world  of  bitter  tears  and  cries, 

And  up  the  mountain  side  from  whose  fair  height 
Uplifted  me  my  Lady  with  her  eyes. 

And  afterward  through  Heaven  from  Hght  to  hght. 
Have  I  learned  that  which  will,  if  I  respeak. 
For  many  have  disrelish  infinite; 

And  if  to  truth  I  prove  a  friend  but  weak, 
I  tremble  lest  my  fame  the  forfeit  pay 
With  those  who  are  to  call  this  time  antique." — 

At  this  the  light  wherein  the  treasure  lay 

Which  I  had  found  there,  fiasht  with  such  suffusion 
As  golden  mirror  in  the  solar  ray. 

''A  conscience  darkened," — then  he  made  conclusion, — 
"With  self -shame,  or  another's,  this  being  sung 
Will  wince  indeed  at  every  harsh  allusion. 

Nathless  away  be  all  dissembling  flung. 
And  be  thy  vision  wholly  manifested. 
And  let  them  wince  who  feel  their  withers  wrung; 

For  though  thy  word  be  grievous  when  first  tasted. 
It  will  forever  after  leave  behind 
A  vital  nourishment,  if  well  digested. 

This  cry  of  thine  shall  do  as  doth  the  wind 

That  buffets  most  the  topmost  mountain  crown : 
Which  no  small  pledge  of  honor  wilt  thou  find. 

For  this  among  these  Wheels,  and  up  and  down 
The  Mountain,  and  within  the  Vale  of  Woe, 
Are  shown  thee  spirits  only  of  renown; 

For  restive  is  the  hearer's  mind,  and  so 
Recalcitrant  to  faith,  it  holds  aloof 
From  instances  buried  its  ken  below. 

And  from  all  else  except  explicit  proof." — 


Illustrious  Souls  in  the  Cross  of  Mars    377  I 

XVIII 

>, 

How  THE  Souls  Form  the  Mystic  Symbol  of  Justice  \ 

IN  THE  Temperate  Star  of  Jove  ; 

Now  in  his  inward  thought  with  joy  replete 

Was  that  blest  Mirror,  and  I  savored  mine 

By  seasoning  the  bitter  with  the  sweet;  I 

And  the  Lady  leading  me  to  the  Divine  t 

Said :  "Shift  thy  thought  to  see  my  link  unbroken  i 

With  him  who  lightens  every  load  mahgn." —  j 

Thereat  I  turned  to  look  at  the  fond  token  The  consoling 

Of  my  Consoler,  and  what  love  I  viewed  ^^  "^  BeatHce  j 

In  the  holy  eyes  is  here  perforce  unspoken. 
Partly  that  words  would  be  misunderstood,  \ 

Partly  that  memory  is  unreturning 

If  others  guide  not  to  such  altitude.  ■ 

This  only  can  I  tell  that  point  concerning. 

That,  rebeholding  her,  my  own  affection  j 

Grew  fetterless  and  free  from  other  yearning.  \ 

While  the  Eternal  Joy  without  deflection  \ 

Rayed  upon  Beatrice,  and  mirror-wise  ! 

From  her  fair  face  appeased  me  by  reflection. 
Subduing  me  with  light  of  smiling  eyes,  ; 

"Turn  round  and  hearken,"  thus  to  me  she  said, 

"Not  in  mine  eyes  alone  is  Paradise!" — 
As  sometimes  in  the  visage  here  is  read  j 

The  inclination,  if  of  so  much  force  \ 

That  the  whole  soul  thereby  is  riveted,  j 

So  turning  to  my  great  progenitor's  ! 

Sanctified  radiance,  the  wish  I  found  I 

Yet  somewhat  further  with  me  to  discourse. 
Then  he  began  to  speak:  "In  this  fifth  round  \ 

Of  branches  on  the  Tree  that  from  the  crest 

Sends  life-sap  down  and  never  sheds  a  frond,  ■ 

Are  souls  who,  ere  they  came  among  the  blest,  ^ 

Were  in  the  world  below  of  so  great  fame  \ 

Could  noble  Muse  no  richer  theme  request.  < 


378 


Paradiso 


The  smile  of 
Beatrice  mark- 
ing ascent  to 
the  Heaven  of 
Jupiter 


Observe  the  arms  o*  the  Cross,  and  those  I  name 
Will  at  the  signal  in  such  mode  proceed 
As  in  the  cloud  its  fulminating  flame/' — 

I  saw  along  the  Cross  a  luster  speed 
At  name  of  Joshua :  to  ear  and  eye 
The  word  did  not  anticipate  the  deed. 

And  at  the  name  of  Maccabaeus  high 

Another  spiral  whirling  flash t  amain, 

And  that  which  whipt  the  top  was  holy  joy. 

Likewise  for  Roland  and  for  Charlemain 

Did  my  enraptured  gaze  two  lights  pursue. 
As  eye  doth  after  flying  falcon  strain. 

Afterward  William  drew,  and  Renouard  drew. 

And  great  Duke  Godfrey  drew  mine  eye  by  fire 
Along  that  Cross,  and  Robert  Guiscard  too. 

Then  mingling  with  the  other  lights,  the  Sire 

Whose  spirit  had  discoursed  with  me  made  known 
His  artistry  among  the  heavenly  quire. 

To  my  right  hand  I  turned  me  at  that  tone. 
My  duty  to  behold  in  Beatrice 
Either  by  language  or  by  gesture  shown. 

And  all  her  past  and  recent  wont  at  this 

Her  look  outrivaled,  with  so  bright  a  ray 
Her  eyes  were  shining,  and  so  full  of  bliss. 

And  as  by  greater  comfort  in  essay 

Of  righteous  doing,  man  becomes  aware 
Of  virtue  waxing  in  him  day  by  day. 

So,  wheeling  in  a  wider  circle  there, 

A  heaven  of  more  extended  scope  I  knew. 
Seeing  that  miracle  become  more  fair. 

For  now  a  shift  of  color  met  my  view. 

As  when  a  woman's  countenance,  opprest 
With  blushful  shame,  resumes  its  palHd  hue, 

Such,  when  I  turned  about  was  manifest 

Dawning  in  the  white  star  of  temperance. 
The  sixth  that  had  received  me  to  its  breast. 


The  Heaven  of  Jupiter  379 

I  saw  within  that  Jovial  radiance 

The  flying  sparks  of  love  that  there  abound 

Shaping  our  language  out  before  my  glance. 
As  birds,  rejoicing  in  their  pasture  ground. 

Start  up  together  from  a  river  dell 

And  gather  in  a  flock,  now  long,  now  round. 
So  holy  creatures  in  the  lights  that  dwell, 

Were  flitting  and  were  chanting,  fashioning 

Their  flock  to  figures, — D  and  I  and  L. 
First  sang  they,  to  their  own  notes  fluttering. 

Then,  having  fashioned  one  or  the  other  sign, 

Would  hold  their  peace  awhile  and  stay  their  wing. 
O  Pegasea,  glorifier  divine 

Of  human  wits,  their  life  to  render  long. 

As  towns  and  kingdoms  they,  by  aid  of  thine, 
Brighten  me  with  thyself  to  tell  in  song 

Their  shapes  as  I  deciphered  them  in  Heaven, 

In  these  brief  verses  let  thy  breath  be  strong! 
These  then  displayed  themselves  in  five  times  seven 

Vowels  and  consonants :  I  noted  down 

The  members  as  they  seemed  by  utterance  given. 
DILIGITE  JUSTITIAM,  first  noun  "Love  Justice, 

And  verb  of  all  the  figure  were  enscroUed,  ^Z^^uL 

QUI  JUDICATIS  TERRAM,  followed  on.  S^ 

These  in  the  M  of  the  fifth  word  did  hold 

Such  settled  order  there,  that  Jupiter 

Seemed  to  be  silver  patterned  out  with  gold. 
And  other  lights  I  saw  descending  where 

The  apex  of  the  M  appeared  their  goal. 

Chanting,  I  think,  the  Good  that  draws  them  there.    The  medieval 
Then,  as  by  stirring  of  a  burning  coal  TmLV'~ 

Innumerable  sparks  are  upward  sped,  Florentine  lily. 

Prophetic  omens  to  the  simple  soul,  f^Jl  ^^^ 

So  thence  thousands  of  lights  seemed  spirited  tohich,  slightly 

To  mount  aloft,  some  lower  and  some  higher,  a^']^;fifZn 

By  their  enkindling  Sun  distributed;  heraldic  Eagle 


380 


Paradiso 


The  stormy 
voice  of  Dante 
(cf.  xvii,  133- 
135) 


The  florin,  wUh 
the  lily  on  one 
side  and  ike 
image  of  the 
Baptist  on  the 
other,  prompts 
Boniface  to 
neglect  Peter 
aiid  Paid 


And  lo !  when  settled  into  place  each  flier, 
I  saw  an  Eagle  as  to  head  and  breast 
Delineated  by  that  patterned  fire. 

He  there  who  paints  has  none  to  guide,  but  best 
Guideth  Himself,  and  from  Him  we  divine 
The  secret  of  the  molding  of  the  nest. 

The  other  blessed  flock,  content  to  twine 
A  lily  flower  at  first  upon  the  M, 
With  a  shght  flutter  filled  out  the  design. 

Sweet  star,  what  jewels,  and  how  many  of  them. 
Informed  me  that  our  Justice  is  the  birth 
Of  that  sixth  heaven  whereof  thou  art  the  gem ! 

Wherefore  I  pray  the  Mind  wherein  thy  worth 

And  motion  start,  that  He  take  note  whence  come 
The  fumes  that  dim  thy  radiance  on  earth; 

That  he  once  more  be  wroth  with  all  and  some 
Who  buy  and  sell  within  the  Temple-door 
Built  round  with  miracles  and  martyrdom. 

O  heavenly  host  on  whom  I  gaze,  implore 

For  them  who  still  are  here  on  earth,  each  one 
Misled  by  ill  example ! — War  of  yore 

Was  waged  by  dint  of  sword,  but  now  'tis  done 
Merely  withholding,  now  here,  and  now  there. 
The  bread  the  pitying  Father  grudges  none. 

But  thou  whose  writ  is  only  made  to  tear. 

Reflect  that  Peter  and  Paul  are  living  yet, 

Who  died  for  the  vineyard  thou  art  stripping  bare. 

Well  mayst  thou  urge:  "I  have  my  heart  so  set 
On  that  ascetic  who  in  royal  hall 
AVas  danced  into  the  martyr's  coronet. 

That  I  know  not  the  fisherman  nor  Paul." — 


Yearning  to  Probe  Divine  Justice  381 

XIX 

The  Discourse  of  the  Symbolic  Eagle 

The  image  fashioned  by  the  engarlanding 

Souls  who  in  sweet  fruition  took  delight, 

Stood  fair  before  me,  spreading  either  wing. 
Each  seemed  a  little  ruby  where  a  bright 

Sunbeam  appeared  so  burningly  to  sink 

As  to  flame  back  again  upon  my  sight. 
And  what  I  now  am  bound  to  tell,  by  ink 

Was  never  traced,  by  ear  was  never  heard. 

Nor  entered  into  heart  of  man  to  think: 
For  lo !  I  heard  and  saw  that  beaked  Bird 

Give  voice  to  /  and  MY,  though  understood 

Were  we  and  our  as  men  conceive  the  word. 
So  it  began :  "Through  being  just  and  good 

Raised  am  I  to  that  glory  far  transcending 

All  mortal  yearning  for  beatitude. 
And  left  remembrance  of  my  great  intending 

Upon  the  earth,  but  wicked  people  there 

Follow  the  story  not,  although  commending." — 
As  many  an  ember  makes  us  feel  the  glare 

Of  one  sole  heat,  so  rang  one  melody 

From  many  loves  out  of  that  image  fair: 
Whereon  I  prayed:  "O  flowers  perpetually  Dante  prays 

Blooming  from  Joy  eternal,  breathing  forth  j^'  hehJokln 

Your  odors  that  one  fragrance  seem  to  me, 
So  breathing,  banish  from  me  the  great  dearth 

Which  makes  me  for  so  long  in  hunger  pine. 

Finding  not  any  food  for  it  on  earth. 
Well  know  I  that,  though  Justice  the  divine 

Be  in  another  Heavenly  kingdom  glassed. 

Yours  looks  without  a  veil  on  the  design. 
Ye  know  how  eagerly  do  I  forecast 

The  hearing,  and  ye  know  what  is  that  doubt 

Which  is  within  me  such  a  long-drawn  fast." — 


382  Paradiso 

As  from  the  hood  the  falcon  issuing  out 

Conceals  not  her  desire,  but  makes  her  fair. 
Lifting  her  head  and  fluttering  about. 

So  in  my  sight  became  that  emblem,  where 
Praises  of  Grace  Divine  were  interwound 
With  songs  familiar  to  the  happy  there. 

Then  it  began :  "Who  turned  the  compass  round 
The  world,  and  Who  in  its  circumference 
Set  much  both  clear  to  sight  and  too  profound. 

Could  not  in  all  the  Universe  condense 
His  Worth  so  far  but  that  His  infinite 
Wisdom  remained  in  overplus  immense. 

In  proof  whereof,  behold  that  first  proud  Wight 
Among  all  creatures  supereminent. 
Falling  unripe,  through  not  awaiting  light; 

Therefore  too  scanty  a  recipient 

Appears  each  lesser  nature  for  that  Good 
Which  has  no  bound  but  by  self -measurement. 

From  this  it  follows  that  our  sight,  which  should 
Out  of  that  Mind  supernal  radiate 
Wherewith  all  things  whatever  are  imbued. 

Can  by  its  nature  have  no  power  so  great 
But  that  its  origin  sees  far  afield 
Beyond  the  narrow  limit  of  your  date. 

Therefore  no  vision  to  your  world  revealed 
Can  plumb  eternal  Justice  to  the  ground. 
Just  as  the  ocean  to  your  eye  is  sealed; 

Awhile  from  shore  ye  may  the  bottom  soimd. 
And  out  of  soundings  in  the  unplumbed  sea 
We  know  it  still  is  there,  though  never  found. 

Save  from  the  never-clouded  Source,  may  be 
No  light,  but  rather  everywhere  is  shade, 
Venom  and  shadow  of  carnality. 

Now  amply  is  the  covert  open  laid 

That  kept  the  living  Justice  from  thy  sight. 
Whereof  thou  hast  so  frequent  question  made. 


Virtuous  Heathen                        383  I 

Tor,'  saidest  thou,  *on  Indus-bank  a  wight  The  problem:        : 

Is  brought  to  birth,  where  none  is  to  direct  ^Z^^l^hen    ' 

To  Christ,  nor  who  may  read  of  Him,  nor  write,  be  condemned? 

And  all  his  acts  and  wishes  are  correct 

As  far  as  human  reason  may  perceive,  • 
Whether  in  word  or  life  without  defect; 

Faithless  he  dies,  nor  baptism  can  receive :  j 

What  is  this  justice  which  condemns  the  man?  j 

What  is  his  fault  if  he  do  not  believe?*  ; 

Now  who  art  thou  to  mount  the  bench  and  scan,  j 

A  thousand  miles  from  what  thou  wouldst  discuss,  ] 

With  thy  short  vision  reaching  but  a  span?  I 

Surely  for  him  who  cavils  with  me  thus,  \ 
Were  not  the  Scripture  over  you,  the  food 
For  subtle  questioning  were  marvelous. 

O  earthly  animals !  O  spirits  rude !  ; 
Never  the  Primal  Will  was  self -betraying. 

Nor  altered  from  Itself  the  Supreme  Good.  ] 

Weighed  is  yoiu*  human  justice  with  Its  weighing. 

By  no  created  goodness  is  It  led,  ' 
Rather  from  It  created  good  is  raying." — 

As  wheels  the  mother-stork  just  overhead  ] 

When  she  has  given  her  nestlings  all  their  fill,  j 

And  they  look  up  toward  her  comforted,  * 

So  thither  was  my  brow  uplifted  still,  t 

And  circling  so  the  blessed  image  flew  \ 

On  wings  propelled  by  force  of  many  a  will.  J 

WheeUng  it  chanted,  adding  thereunto :  \ 

"My  notes  thou  hearest  heeding  not  their  sense,  1 

So  mortals  by  Eternal  Justice  do." —  j 

When  quiet  was  that  glowing  effluence  ; 

Of  Holy  Ghost,  still  in  the  heraldry  \ 

That  gained  the  Romans  world-wide  reverence,  '^¥  *^"?y 

.         ,  votce  again              i 

"Up  to  this  Kingdom,"  it  resumed  to  me,  strikes  the  high-     i 

"Rose  never  one  who  had  not  faith  in  Christ  ff  P?«^*  ('"''^ 

.  the  nms  on            \ 

Before  or  smce  they  nailed  Him  to  the  tree.  Christ)               ^ 

j 


384 


Paradiso 


Philip  the 
Fair 


Charles  of 
Naples.   Evi- 
dently the  Book 
kept  in  Roman 
numerals 

Frederick,  King 
of  Sicily,  whose 
misdeeds  toill 
crowd  the  page 


The  Venetian 
ducat  and  the 
florin  were  the 
standard  coins 
everywhere 


But  many,  mark,  who  cry  aloud  Christ!  Christ! 
Shall  be  less  near  Him  at  the  Great  Assize, 
By  very  far,  than  some  who  know  not  Christ. 

The  Ethiop  shall  such  Christians  stigmatize 
When  the  two  colleges  apart  are  led. 
One  poor,  the  other  with  the  eternal  prize. 

To  Christian  monarchs  what  will  not  be  said 
By  Persians,  when  the  Book  is  open  placed 
Upon  whose  page  their  evil  deeds  are  spread? 

There  *mid  the  deeds  of  Albert  shall  be  traced 

That  which  will  start  the  moving  pen  once  more 
To  show  the  Realm  of  Prague  become  a  waste; 

There  seen  how  men  along  the  Seine  deplore 
The  doing  of  that  counterfeiter  accurst 
To  perish  by  the  bristle  of  the  boar; 

There  seen  the  arrogance  that  sets  athirst. 

Driving  both  Scot  and  Englishman  insane. 
Whence  both  anon  across  the  border  burst; 

There  the  soft  life  and  lust  of  him  of  Spain 

And  the  Bohemian, — ^never  known  to  them 
Was  prowess,  or  held  ever  in  disdain. 

There  to  the  Cripple  of  Jerusalem 

Shall  with  an  /  the  good  be  credited. 
While  the  reverse  is  rated  at  an  M. 

There  shall  the  greed  and  cowardice  be  read 
Of  him  who  wards  the  fiery  Island, — tomb 
Where  the  long  journey  of  Anchises  led; 

And  to  denote  him  paltry,  let  the  doom 
In  curt  abbreviations  be  set  down. 
Infinite  matter  in  a  little  room. 

And  foul  to  all  be  noted  the  renown 

Of  uncle  and  of  brother,  who  deflower 
Illustrious  lineage,  and  each  a  crown. 

And  he  who  holds  in  Portugal  the  power. 

And  Norway  shall  be  shown;  and  Rascia  there 
Who  saw  Venetian  coin  in  evil  hour. 


Wicked  Christian  Kings  385 

O  blest  were  Hungary,  if  she  would  bear 

No  buffets  longer;  and  Navarre  in  bliss 

If  her  own  mountain  but  a  rampart  were !  Henry  of  Lusi- 

And  let  each  one  recall,  in  proof  of  this,  im^'xin^wko 

How  Nicosia  and  Famagosta  groan  iceepa  pace  toith 

Already  for  their  beast,  and  take  it  amiss  powS-^in  evU 

That  he  beside  the  others  hold  his  own." —  doing 


386 


Paradiso 


XX 

The  Eagle  Continues  to  Discourse 


The  voices  of 
the  Just,  blend- 
ing  in  the  neck 
of  the  Eagle, 
issue  like  the 
sound  of  falling 
water,  or  of 
musical  notes 


When  he  who  sheds  through  all  the  world  his  ray- 
Is  from  our  hemisphere  descending  so 
That  everywhere  the  dayUght  fades  away. 

The  sky,  ablaze  with  him  short  while  ago. 
Is  suddenly  rekindled  to  our  ken 
By  many  lights  that  answer  to  one  glow: 

And  I  recalled  this  heavenly  action  when 
The  ensign  of  the  world  and  of  its  head 
Grew  silent  in  the  blessed  beak  again; 

For  all  those  Uving  luminaries,  made 

Brighter  than  ever,  were  beginning  chants 
Out  of  my  memory  to  lapse  and  fade. 

O  sweet  Love,  veiled  in  smiling  radiance. 

How  ardent  didst  thou  seem  in  those  canorous 
Flutes  that  breathed  only  holy  meditance ! 

After  the  bright  and  precious  brilhants  o*er  us. 
Wherewith  I  saw  the  sixth  heaven  glittering, 
Had  made  an  end  of  their  angelic  chorus. 

It  seemed  to  me  I  heard  a  murmuring 

Stream  that  runs  Kmpid  down  from  stone  to  stone 
Showing  the  plenty  of  its  mountain  spring. 

And  as  upon  the  cittern's  neck  the  tone 

Assumes  its  form,  and  in  reed  instrument 

The  vent-holes  mold  the  breathing  through  it  blown. 

Thus,  brooking  no  delay,  incontinent 

Did  that  soft  murmur  of  the  Eagle  float 
Up  through  the  neck,  as  if  it  were  a  vent; 

There  became  voice,  and  issued  from  the  throat 
Out  through  the  beak,  with  words  in  unison 
With  longing  of  the  heart  whereon  I  wrote. 

"That  part  in  me  which  sees,  and  braves  the  sun 
In  mortal  eagles,"  it  prelusive  said, 
"Should  now  attentively  be  gazed  upon; 


The  New  Knowledge 


387 


For  of  the  fires  whereof  my  form  is  made, 

Those  are  in  all  their  grades  of  most  renown 
Wherewith  the  eye  is  sparkling  in  my  head. 

Who  midmost  as  the  pupil  glitters  down, 
He  was  the  Holy  Spirit's  laureate 
Who  bore  about  the  Ark  from  town  to  town; 

Now  knows  he  his  song's  merit  adequate, 
So  far  as  subject  to  his  will's  control. 
By  the  reward  which  is  proportionate. 

Of  five  who  curve  along  my  brow,  that  soul 
Neighboring  nearest  to  the  beak  of  me 
Did  the  poor  widow  for  her  son  console; 

Now  knows  he  dear  the  ransom  is  if  we 
Follow  not  Christ,  by  the  experience 
Of  this  sweet  life,  and  of  the  contrary. 

Who  next,  along  on  the  circumference 

In  question,  follows  on  the  upward  way 
Delayed  his  death  by  very  penitence; 

Now  knows  he  that  Eternal  Judgment  may 
Be  altered  never,  though  a  worthy  prayer 
On  earth  below  tomorrows  the  today. 

The  next,  to  set  the  Pastor  in  the  chair, 

111  fruitage  gathering  from  good  intents, 

Made  Greek  himself,  the  laws,  and  me  down  there; 

Now  knows  he  that  the  evil  consequence 

Of  his  good  deed  gives  him  no  cause  to  grieve. 
Although  the  world  go  all  to  ruin  thence. 

Next  in  the  downward  curve  dost  thou  perceive 

Him  who  was  William,  whom  those  lands  regret 
Which  weep  that  Charles  and  Frederick  still  live; 

Now  knows  he  how  the  love  of  Heaven  is  set 
On  a  just  king,  and  the  effulgency 
Of  his  appearance  makes  it  patent  yet. 

Down  in  the  erring  world  who  would  agree 

That  Trojan  Rhip)eus  in  this  round  were  fit 
The  fifth  among  the  holy  lights  to  be? 


David 


Trajan 


Hezekiah 


Constantine 


William  the 
Oood  of  Sicily 
and  Ajndia 


Rhipeus  the 
Trojan  (Mneid 
ii. 


388 


Paradiso 


Dante's  loonder 
that  Rhipeus 
and  Trajan  are 
redeemed 


Now  knows  he  much  whereof  our  human  wit 
In  Grace  Divine  can  catch  not  any  gleam. 
Although  his  vision  cannot  fathom  it." — 

Like  to  the  lark  that  in  the  morning  beam 
Upsoars,  first  singing  and  thereafter  still. 
Rapt  with  the  sweetness  of  her  song  supreme. 

Such  seemed  the  imaged  Emblem  of  the  Will 
Eternal,  in  accordance  with  whose  bent 
Created  things  their  final  ends  fulfill. 

And  notwithstanding  that  my  wonderment 

Showed  through  me  Hke  the  color  through  the  glaze, 
Yet  could  it  not  abide  the  time  content, 

But  forced  by  virtue  of  its  weight  the  phrase 

Forth  from  my  lips, — ^'What  wonders  these!"   Oh 

thence 
I  saw  great  revelry  of  flashing  rays ! 

Thereon  with  kindling  eye  still  more  intense. 
To  me  the  Blessed  Emblem  made  reply. 
To  hold  me  not  in  wondering  suspense: 

"I  see  that  thou  behev'st  these  things,  since  I 
Report  them  to  thee,  but  dar'st  not  avow, 
For,  though  believed,  they  are  hidden  from  the  eye. 

Thou  doest  like  that  one  who  may  well  allow 
A  thing  in  name,  but  who  cannot  define 
Its  essence  if  another  show  not  how. 

The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  suffers  force  benign 
From  living  hope  and  loving  fervency. 
Able  to  overcome  the  Will  Divine; 

Not  as  man  over  man  wins  victory. 

That  which  is  craving  to  be  quelled  they  quell. 
And,  conquered,  conquer  through  benignity. 

The  brow's  first  living  soul  and  fifth  may  well 
Astonish  thee,  because  thou  seest  with  those 
Adorned  the  region  where  the  angels  dwell. 

These  left  their  bodies  not,  as  men  suppose, 

Grentile,  but  Christian,  each  in  firm  faith  cleaving 
To  crucifixion's  past  or  future  throes. 


Exceptional  Cases  of  Redemption  389 


For  one  from  Hell,  whence  none  returns  retrieving 
Good  will  again,  did  yet  his  bones  resume, — 
And  living  hope  this  guerdon  was  receiving, — 

The  living  hope  whence  vital  power  should  bloom 
Through  prayer  to  God  for  his  upraising  made. 
So  that  his  will  could  move  to  change  his  doom. 

The  glorious  spirit  whereof  this  is  said. 

Short  while  abiding  in  the  flesh  on  earth. 
Put  faith  in  Him  who  had  the  power  to  aid. 

And  so  belief  enkindled  on  his  hearth 

True  love,  that  when  returned  he  to  the  grave 
He  was  found  fit  to  come  unto  this  mirth. 

So  deep  a  fountain  yielded  grace  to  save 
The  other  soul,  no  eye,  however  bright, 
Of  any  creature  pierced  its  primal  wave; 

And  so  in  righteousness  was  his  delight 

That  our  redemption  in  the  future,  more 
And  more  by  Grace  was  opened  to  his  sight: 

AVherefore  he  put  his  trust  therein,  nor  bore 

Thenceforth  the  stench  from  heathendom  arising. 
Reproving  the  perverted  folk  therefor. 

To  him,  a  thousand  years  ere  solemnizing 

Of  baptism,  those  three  maids  thou  sawst,  who 

wheeled 
Beside  the  dexter  wheel,  stood  for  baptizing. 

Predestination!  Ah,  how  far  afield 

Thy  root  from  vision  of  their  intellect 

To  whom  the  First  Cause  is  not  all  revealed ! 

And  be  ye,  mortals,  closely  circumspect 
In  judging,  forasmuch  as  we,  who  see 
The  very  God,  know  not  yet  all  the  elect; 

And  in  such  lack  is  our  felicity. 

For  in  this  good  our  own  good  we  refine 
So  that  with  Will  Divine  our  wills  agree.'* 

Thus  by  that  emblematic  form  divine. 

To  make  me  feel  the  limits  of  my  vision. 
Was  dealt  to  me  delightful  medicine. 


St.  Gregory 
made  ^ectual 
fervent  prayer 
for  Trajan 


Purg.  xxix, 
121-129 


390                              Paradiso  ^ 

As  on  the  chorded  lute  the  good  musician  ' 
Pinching  the  strings  supports  the  singer  good, 

Thus  making  more  dehghtful  the  rendition,  ] 

So  I  remember,  while  he  thus  pursued,  ] 

Beholding  those  two  blessed  lusters  dance  ^ 

Accordant,  as  the  eyes  in  winking  would,  ; 

Moving  their  flamelets  with  that  utterance.  ^ 


Ladder  of  Contemplation  391  J 

XXI  \ 

Heaven  of  Saturn  ] 

Already  on  my  Lady's  countenance  ^ 

Mine  eyes  were  bended,  and  my  mind  withdrew  ] 

With  them  from  every  other  circumstance; 
Nor  was  she  smiUng,  but  began  thereto :  Ascending  to 

"Were  I  to  smile  thou  wouldst  become  hke  fair         fatui^'sea^      ] 

Semele,  when  she  dust  and  ashes  grew;  trice  withholds 

Because  my  beauty  on  the  Palace  stair  t  esmie  , 

Eternal,  shining  in  more  bright  relief  ^ 

As  thou  hast  seen,  with  our  ascending  there,  ^ 

If  not  attempered,  would  be  past  belief  \ 

Effulgent,  so  that  thy  poor  mortal  sense  ] 

Would  be  but  as  the  thunder-blasted  leaf.  ^ 

Raised  are  we  to  the  Seventh  Splendor,  whence,  ' 

Now  warmed  beneath  the  Lion's  burning  breast,  ; 

Rains  down  its  mitigated  influence.  | 

Let  thy  mind  follow  where  thine  eyes  request. 

And  let  them  mirrors  be  for  that  reflection  1 

Which  in  this  mirror  shall  be  manifest." — 
Whoso  could  know  how  great  was  the  refection  \ 

Mine  eyes  found  in  her  features  sanctified. 

When  drawn  away  perforce  in  new  direction, 
Might  comprehend,  by  weighing  the  one  side  \ 

With  the  other,  how  delighted  I  became  ; 

To  do  the  bidding  of  my  heavenly  Guide.  ! 

Within  the  crystal  that  doth  bear  the  name  ^ 

The  world  around  of  its  bright  Leader,  who  \ 

So  ruled  that  perished  every  deed  of  blame,  \ 

I  saw  a  Ladder  all  of  golden  hue  The  Golden 

Burnished  with  light,  and  lifted  up  so  high 

Mine  eyes  were  unavaihng  to  pursue; 
Then  saw  so  many  splendors  downward  fly 

Along  its  rungs,  all  light  the  stars  distill 

Had,  it  appeared  to  me,  been  shed  thereby. 


Ladder 


392 


Paradiso 


Dante  humbly 
asks  two 
questions  of  the 
spirit 


The  eyes  of 
Dante  could  not 
hear  the  smile; 
his  muddy 
vesture  of  decay 
is  impervious  U) 
the  music 


And  as,  at  bidding  of  their  nature's  will, 

Jackdaws  together  flock  at  break  of  day. 
Bestirring  them  to  warm  their  plumage  chill; 

Thereafter  there  are  some  who  fly  away 
Without  returning,  others  fly  off  where 
They  started  from,  and  others,  wheeling,  stay: 

In  such  a  fashion  came  together  there, 

Methought,  that  scintillating  company. 
Soon  as  it  lighted  on  a  certain  stair; 

And  one,  which  nearest  us  appeared  to  be. 

Became  so  bright,  I  murmured  in  my  thought: 
"Well  I  perceive  thy  love  that  signals  me." — 

But  she,  by  whom  the  How  and  Where  is  taught 
Of  speech  and  silence,  pauses,  whence  aright 
I  do,  against  desire,  inquiring  not. 

Whence  she  who  saw  my  silence  in  the  sight 
Of  That  One  to  whose  seeing  all  is  shown. 
Bade  me, — ^''Appease  thy  yearning  appetite !" — 

And  I  began:  "No  merit  of  mine  own 

Renders  me  worthy  that  thou  make  reply, 

But  for  her  sake  who  bids  me  ask,  made  known, 

O  soul  in  blessedness,  enshrouded  by 

The  joyance  that  doth  round  about  thee  glow, 
What  places  thee  so  near  me;  and  tell  why 

Within  this  wheeling  sphere  keeps  silence  so 
The  dulcet  symphony  of  Paradise 
Devoutly  sounding  through  the  rest  below." — 

"Thy  mortal  eye  and  ear  are  both  amiss," 

He  answered,  "here  aloft  no  songs  are  sung 
For  the  same  cause  that  smiles  not  Beatrice. 

Down  on  the  sacred  ladder  rung  by  rung 
So  far  descended  I  to  make  thee  graced 
With  words,  and  with  the  radiance  round  me  flung; 

Nor  was  it  greater  love  that  made  me  haste. 
For  equal  love,  or  more,  burns  up  above, 
As  makes  the  flaming  clearly  manifest; 


*S/.  Peter  Damian  393 

But  we,  as  prompted  by  Exalted  Love, 

To  serve  the  purpose  of  the  world  so  burn : 

'Tis  love  allots, — ^thou  seest  the  mode  thereof." —  i 

"Full  well,  O  holy  lamp,  do  I  discern  • 

How  love,  left  free,  may  in  this  Court  suffice  \ 

For  following  the  Providence  eterne; 

But  ever  this  is  baffling  to  mine  eyes :  \ 

Wherefore  among  thy  consorts  thou  alone 

Hast  been  predestinate  to  this  emprise?" — 

Before  I  uttered  forth  the  final  tone,  \ 

The  light  an  axis  of  its  middle  made. 

Rapidly  whirling  as  in  mill  the  stone.  ; 

Thereon  the  loving  spirit  in  it  said :  • 

"Focused  on  me  is  radiance  divine  j 

Piercing  the  mesh  of  that  around  me  shed,  '\ 

Whereof  the  virtue  and  my  sight  combine  " 

To  lift  me  so  above  myself,  I  see  ■ 

The  Fount  Supreme  whence  doth  this  luster  shine.  ; 

Thence  comes  the  rapture  all  aflame  in  me,                     '  J 

For  to  my  vision  as  it  grows  more  bright  ■ 

I  match  a  flame  of  equal  clarity.  ' 
But  soul  in  Heaven  with  most  access  of  light.                    The  mystery  of 

Seraph  whose  eye  is  most  on  God  intent.  Predestination      \ 

Could  to  thy  question  not  reply  aright,  ] 

For  it  is  gulfed  in  the  arbitrament  1 

Unf athomed,  of  eternal  law's  control,  \ 

Where  all  created  sight  is  vainly  bent.  j 

Carry  this  back  to  every  mortal  soul  .] 

On  thy  return,  that  men  no  more  presume  i 

To  lift  their  feet  toward  so  high  a  goal.  i: 

The  mind  that  here  is  flame,  on  earth  is  fume;  ] 

Consider  then  if  it  below  can  do 

That  which  it  cannot  do,  though  Heaven  assume." — 

His  language  such  a  limit  round  me  drew,  \ 

From  every  further  question  I  forbore,  > 

Except  to  humbly  ask  him,  "Who  were  you?" —  : 


394 


Paradiso 


The  beautiful 
site  of  the 
monastery  of 
Fonte  Avellana 
on  Monte 
Catria 


St.  Peter 
Damian 


The  gtormy 
voice 


Astounds  the 
Poet  himself 


"Crags  rise  in  Italy  'twixt  shore  and  shore, 
And  from  thy  fatherland  not  far  away, 
So  high,  the  thunderstorms  below  them  roar, 

Making  a  hump  whose  name  is  Catria, 
And  there  a  hermitage  was  consecrate 
Which  used  to  be  a  place  for  men  to  pray/' — 

With  words  like  these  did  he  inaugurate 

The  third  discourse :  "On  Godly  service  bent, 
I  grew  so  used  to  feed  on  lenten  cate 

Which  had  but  olive  juice  for  condiment. 

That  here  I  passed  the  seasons  hot  and  cold 
Lightly,  in  thoughts  contemplative  content. 

That  cloister  once  bore  fruitage  manifold 

Unto  these  heavens,  but  now  it  yields  no  more. 
As  must  perforce  hereafter  soon  unfold. 

There  Peter  Damian  was  the  name  I  bore; 
Peter  the  Sinner  was  I  in  the  fane 
Of  Our  own  Lady  on  the  Adrian  shore. 

To  me  did  little  mortal  Hfe  remain. 

When  called  to  take,  against  my  own  accord, 
That  Hat  which  shifts  from  bad  to  worse  again. 

Came  Cephas,  the  great  Vessel  of  the  Lord 

Came  lean  and  barefoot,  taking  bit  and  sup 
From  whatsoever  hospitable  board. 

Now  serving-men  are  needed  to  hold  up 
Fat  modern  pastors,  one  on  either  side 
And  one  before  and  one  behind  to  prop. 

Their  furs  overflow  the  palfreys  which  they  ride 

(How  much,  O  Patience,  hast  thou  yet  to  bear !) 
So  that  two  beasts  go  underneath  one  hide." — 

Flames  saw  I  at  such  cry  from  stair  to  stair 

Descending  and  whirling  round  in  multitude. 
At  every  whirl  becoming  still  more  fair. 

Around  this  soul  they  flocking  came,  and  stood. 
And  lifted  up  such  a  resounding  shout 
That  here  there  could  be  no  similitude. 

Nor,  thunderstricken,  could  I  make  it  out. 


St  Benedict  395  ] 

XXII  I 

St.  Benedict;  Dante's  Natal  Constellation 

Plunged  in  bewilderment  I  turned  me  thence  Stricken  imth    j 

Round  to  my  Guide,  even  as  a  little  child  hewMermerU,    I 

,  the  Poet  IS  ! 

Runs  ever  where  he  feels  most  confidence;  reassured  by 

And  promptly  as  a  mother's  cadence  mild                         Beatrice  ^ 
Is  wonted  to  give  courage  to  her  son 

Pallid  and  gasping, — so  her  words  beguiled  ^ 

My  fear :  "Enfolds  thee  not  the  benison  ; 

Of  Heaven  where  all  is  holy?  and  canst  thou  doubt  ^ 

That  zeal  for  good  prompts  what  in  Heaven  is  done  ?  \ 

WhoX  perturbation  had  been  brought  about 
Both  by  the  singing  and  my  smiling  eye. 
When  thou  hast  been  so  startled  by  the  shout? 

Wherein,  if  thou  hadst  understood  their  cry 

Which  is  a  prayer,  already  would  be  clear  [ 

The  vengeance  thou  shalt  see  before  thou  die.  | 

Smites  never  down  in  haste  the  sword  from  here,  ; 

Nor  tardily,  excepting  in  his  view  I 
Who  waits  for  it  in  longing  or  in  fear. 

But  look  about  thee  now  to  something  new;  j 

Thou  shalt  see  spirits  most  illustrious,  ! 

Turning  thy  face  round  as  I  bid  thee  do." —  ' 

Compliant  to  her  wish,  I  turned  me  thus,  ] 

And  saw  a  hundred  little  globes  of  fire  < 

By  interchange  of  light  more  beauteous.  j 

Like  one  who  blunts  the  edge  of  his  desire  | 

Within  himself,  became  I,  diffident  j 

Of  question,  lest  I  overmuch  aspire.  i 

And  the  most  lustrous  and  preeminent  \ 

Among  those  i>early  lights  began  to  advance,  j 

To  make  my  wish  concerning  it  content.  j 

Within  it  then  I  heard:  "Could  but  thy  glance  Sveaks  St.        \ 

Like  mine  perceive  our  interflaming  Love,                         *^  " 

Thy  tacit  thought  would  have  found  utterance;  \ 


Monte  Casstno, 
one  of  the  most 
venerable  mon- 
uments of  the 
Christian  vxyrld 


Dante  s  prayer 
to  Benedict 


The  Heavenly 
Ladder 


Paradiso 


But  lest  thou  linger  from  the  goal  above 
I  will  make  answer  even  to  the  scope 
Of  the  request  thou  art  so  chary  of. 

Where  lies  Cassino  on  the  mountain  slope, 
Up  to  the  very  summit  dwelt  of  yore 
The  folk  perverse  who  in  delusion  grope; 

And  I  am  he  who  first  up  thither  bore 

The  name  of  Him  who  brought  the  human  race 
The  Truth  enabling  us  so  high  to  soar: 

Then  shone  upon  me  so  abounding  Grace 

That  from  the  impious  worship  which  misled 
The  world,  I  drew  each  neighbor  dwelling  place. 

These  other  fires  were  men  whose  spirits  fed 
On  Contemplation,  kindled  by  that  heat 
Whence  holy  flowers  and  holy  fruits  are  bred. 

Here  Romuald  and  here  Macarius  meet 

All  my  good  brethren  of  the  cloister  who 

Kept  steadfast  heart  and  stayed  their  truant  feet."- 

And  now  I  spoke:  "The  love  thou  givest  to  view 
Talking  with  me,  and  the  benevolence 
Which  I  perceive  aglow  in  all  of  you. 

Dilate  as  genially  my  confidence 

As  the  sun  doth  the  rose,  till  she  uncase 
Her  petals  and  exhale  her  perfume  thence. 

Wherefore  I  pray, — ^and  tell  me  if  such  grace, 
O  Father,  may  perchance  upon  me  shine, — 
That  I  may  see  thee  with  uncovered  face." — 

"Brother,  up  in  the  final  sphere  divine," 

Said  he,  "shall  thy  exalted  wish  be  granted. 
Where  all  the  others  are  fulfilled,  and  mine. 

There  is  mature  and  perfect  and  unscanted 
Every  desire;  and  in  that  realm  of  day 
Alone  all  parts  eternally  are  planted; 

For  it  is  not  in  space,  nor  doth  it  sway 

On  jx)les;  and  thither  doth  our  ladder  go, 
Whence  it  is  fading  from  thy  sight  away. 


Degenerate  Religious  Orders  397 

The  Patriarch  Jacob  saw  it  long  ago 

Extend  its  upper  reaches  Heavenward  yon, 

When  angels  up  and  down  seemed  thronging  so. 
But  now  to  clamber  thither  raises  none  The  ''dread 

His  feet  from  earth,  and,  though  my  Rule  remain,  *^^"  '^"*" 

Waste  is  the  paper  it  is  written  on. 
The  abbey  walls,  that  used  to  be  a  fane. 

Are  become  robber  dens,  and  every  cowl 

A  sack  that  doth  corrupted  meal  contain. 
But  heavy  usance  levies  smaller  toll 

Counter  to  will  Divine,  than  fruits  that  curse 

With  such  insanity  the  monkish  soul. 
What  Holy  Church  may  have  to  disemburse 

Belongs  to  them  who  in  God's  name  invoke; 

Not  to  one's  kindred,  nor  to  others  worse. 
The  flesh  of  mortals  is  so  frail  that  folk 

Make  good  beginnings  there,  which  do  not  hold 

Till  acorns  ripen  on  the  sapling  oak. 
Peter  made  his  beginning  without  gold 

Or  silver,  I  with  fast  and  orison. 

And  Francis  humbly  set  about  his  fold. 
And  scanning  the  beginning  of  each  one. 

And  then  where  it  has  wandered,  thou  wilt  see 

How  white  has  been  converted  into  dun. 
But  Jordan  backward  turned,  in  verity. 

And  ocean  at  God's  will  in  flight  perdue, 

More  wondrous  were  than  rescue  here  would  be." — 
He  spoke,  and  turned  to  his  companions,  who 

Surrounding  him,  together  closed  their  throng. 

Then  upward  like  a  whirlwind  all  withdrew. 
My  gentle  Lady  urged  me  then  along  Ascent  to  the 

With  a  mere  waf ture  up  that  mystic  stair,  f^^^^  ""^  *^' 

So  was  her  power  upon  my  nature  strong; 
Nor  in  our  rising  and  descending  here 

By  natural  law,  has  ever  been  a  flight 

So  swift  as  with  my  pinion  to  compare. 


398 


Paradiso 


S-pLendid  invo- 
cation to  his 
natal  consteUor 
tion, — The 
Eternal  Twins 


In  the  year 
1265  the  Sun 
was  in  Gemini 
from  18th  May 
to  17th  June. 
The  exact  day 
of  Dante's  birth 
is  not  recorded 


Speaks 
Beatrice 


Survey  of  the 
Solar  System 


Reader,  as  I  to  that  devout  delight 

Hope  to  return,  for  whose  sake  I  deplore 
Ofttimes  my  sins,  and  on  my  bosom  smite, 

Thou  wouldst  have  pluckt  thy  finger  nevermore 
Out  of  the  fire,  ere  I  beheld  the  Sign 
After  the  Bull,  and  was  within  its  core! 

O  glorious  stars,  whose  influences  shine 

Pregnant  with  poWer,  to  whom  is  honor  due 
For  whatsoever  genius  may  be  mine. 

With  you  was  dawning,  darkening  with  you 
He  who  is  Sire  of  all  mortality. 
When  my  first  breath  of  Tuscan  air  I  drew; 

And  then,  when  gift  of  Grace  had  made  me  free 
Of  the  high  wheeling  sphere  wherein  ye  roll, 
Your  very  region  was  assigned  to  me. 

To  you  devoutly  now  suspires  my  soul. 
Virtue  soliciting  and  consecration 
For  the  hard  passage  to  the  final  goal. 

"Thou  art  so  near  the  Ultimate  Salvation," 
So  Beatrice  began,  "that  it  is  meet 
To  have  eyes  keen  and  purified  from  passion. 

Hence,  before  deeplier  immerst  in  it. 

Look  down  below  and  see  what  world  expanse 
I  have  already  put  beneath  thy  feet; 

So  that  thy  heart  with  utmost  jubilance 
Confront  the  Triumph  of  the  multitude 
Who  through  this  ether-sphere  blithely  advance  ."- 

Then  one  and  all  the  Seven  Spheres  I  viewed 

With  backward  gaze,  and  saw  this  globe  of  dust 
Such  that  I  smiled  at  its  poor  likelihood; 

And  to  his  counsel  I  most  largely  trust 

Who  holds  it  cheapest;  and  who  turns  him  thence 
To  other  thoughts  may  well  be  reckoned  just. 

Latona's  daughter  kindled  on  my  sense 

Without  that  shadow  making  her  appear 
Such  that  I  held  her  once  both  rare  and  dense. 


The  Seven  Planets  399 

Hyperion,  I  could  endure  up  here 

The  radiance  of  thy  son,  and  markt  how  move 

Maia  and  Dione  round  about  him  near. 
Thence  I  perceived  the  tempering  of  Jove 

Father  and  son  between,  and  thence  the  mode 

Of  all  their  variations  as  they  rove. 
Thence  to  me  all  the  seven  planets  showed 

How  vast  they  are,  how  swift  they  are,  and  how 

Far.  far  apart  they  are  in  their  abode. 
With  the  Eternal  Twins  revolving  now, 

I  saw  our  madding  little  threshing  floor  "Vaiuola  che  d 

Spread  out  from  river  mouth  to  mountain  brow:      ^^  tantoferon" 
Then  turned  I  to  the  beauteous  eyes  once  more. 


400 


Paradiso 


Beatrice 
expectant 


The  Harvest 
of  Christ 


XXIII 

Vision  of  the  Host  of  the  Redeemed 

As  birdling  the  beloved  leaves  among 

Having  reposed  with  her  sweet  nestling  brood 
While  night  has  over  all  her  mantle  flung, 

Who,  that  she  may  adventure  for  their  food. 
Delighting  in  hard  toil,  and  that  she  may 
See  the  loved  pledges  of  her  motherhood. 

Anticipates  the  hour  on  open  spray, 

And  fired  with  eagerness  awaits  the  light. 
Vigilant  ever  until  break  of  day : 

So  was  my  Lady  standing  at  full  height 
Alert  and  watchful,  lifting  up  her  face 
Thither  where  most  the  sun  retards  his  flight; 

Whence  I,  observant  of  her  eagerness. 

Became  like  one  who  wistfully  doth  pant 
For  his  desire,  and  so  takes  heart  of  grace. 

But  now  the  interval  of  time  was  scant, — 
I  mean  of  my  susp)ense  until  aware 
That  more  and  more  the  heaven  grew  radiant. 

And  Beatrice  said :  "Behold  the  army  fair 

Of  Christ  Triumphant, — ^all  the  harvest  raised 
By  whirUng  influence  of  every  sphere." — 

It  seemed  to  me  that  all  her  features  blazed 
And  such  a  flood  of  rapture  filled  her  eye 
That  I  must  pass  it  by  perforce  unphrased. 

As  at  still  midnight  when  the  moon  is  high 
Trivia  smiles  among  the  nymphs  eterne 
Who  brighten  every  quarter  of  the  sky. 

Above  a  thousand  lusters  saw  I  burn 

One  Sun,  enkindling  round  it  all  and  some. 
As  does  our  sun  the  other  Ughts  supern. 

And  that  illuminating  Masterdom 

Shot  down  a  living  splendor  so  intense 
Into  mine  eyes  that  they  were  overcome. 


^^Hymning  the  holy  smile^ 


401 


Oh,  Beatrice,  dear  gentle  influence! 

Now  said  she  to  me :  "Thou  art  here  controlled 
By  force  wherefrom  there  can  be  no  defense. 

Herein  the  Wisdom,  here  the  Power  behold. 

That  frayed  from  Heaven  to  Earth  a  thoroughfare 
For  which  the  yearning  was  so  long  of  old/' — 

As  fire,  expanding  beyond  boimd,  doth  tear 

The  cloud  asunder,  and  swiftly  earthward  fall 
Against  its  proper  nature,  through  the  air. 

So  found  my  spirit  in  that  festival 

Enlargement,  and  the  bound  of  self  forsook. 
Nor  what  it  then  became  can  now  recall. 

"Open  thine  eyes,"  resumed  she  then,  "and  look 
Upon  my  very  nature;  thou  hast  seen 
Things  that  enable  thee  my  smile  to  brook.'* — 

I  was  Uke  one  who  feels  the  spell  again 
Of  a  forgotten  vision,  and  doth  try 
To  bring  it  back  to  memory,  in  vain. 

When  I  received  this  proffer,  worth  so  high 
Tribute  of  thanks  as  could  not  be  effaced 
Out  of  the  chronicle  of  time  gone  by. 

Not  all  the  tongues  by  Polyhymnia  graced, 

That  both  from  her  and  from  her  sisters  drew 
Their  lyric  milk  most  honied  to  the  taste, 

Could  tell  a  thousandth  part  of  what  is  true. 
Hymning  the  holy  smile  of  Beatrice 
And  on  her  holy  face  what  light  it  threw. 

Whence,  in  depicting  Paradise,  at  this 

The  sacred  Poem  leaps  perforce  the  theme. 
Like  one  whose  way  is  cut  by  an  abyss. 

But  whoso  notes  its  weight  will  never  deem 
Me  blamable  if  mortal  shoulder  bear 
But  tremblingly  a  burden  so  supreme. 

For  little  bark  can  be  no  passage  where 

The  wave  is  cleft  by  my  adventurous  prow, 
Nor  yet  for  pilot  who  would  labor  spare. 


Dante  s  eyes 
given  virtue  to 
see  the  smile  of 
Beatrice 


Cf.  beginning  of 
Canto  ii 


402 


Paradiso 


The  Sun  of 
Heaven  shows 
just  so  much 
light  as  the 
mortal  eye  can 
bear 

The  Virgin 

Mary 

Mother 


The  splendor 
and  music  of 
Gabriel 


"Why  so  enamored  of  my  face  art  thou, 

And  tm*nest  not  to  the  fair  garden-close 
Blooming  beneath  the  rays  of  Christus  now? 

The  Word  Divine  became  in  yonder  Rose 
Incarnate;  yonder  are  the  lilies  white 
Whose  fragrance  did  the  way  of  life  disclose." — 

So  Beatrice:  and  I,  submitting  quite 

To  what  she  urged,  again  free  scope  allowed 
To  the  contention  of  my  feeble  sight. 

Just  as  mine  eyes,  themselves  beneath  a  shroud 
Of  shadow,  have  beheld  a  flowery  lea 
Laughing  in  light  that  streamed  through  rifted  cloud. 

So  many  a  splendid  throng  now  seemed  to  be 
Lit  from  above  by  burning  radiance,  though 
No  fountain  of  those  flashings  could  I  see. 

O  Power  benignant  who  dost  mark  them  so, 

Thou  hadst  withdrawn  thee  upward  to  give  way 
Before  mine  eyesight  baffled  by  the  glow! 

The  mention  of  the  Rose  whereto  I  pray 
Morning  and  evening,  utterly  subdued 
My  soul  to  contemplate  her  greater  ray. 

When  with  her  quality  and  magnitude 

As  she  transcended  here  up  there  transcending. 
That  living  star  had  both  mine  eyes  imbued. 

Behold  athwart  the  heaven  a  torch  descending, 

Formed  like  a  coronet,  wherewith  it  crowned  her. 
About  her  in  a  fiery  circle  bending. 

Whatever  melody  is  sweet  hereunder 

Most  wooingly  to  wake  the  heart's  desire. 
Would  seem  a  cloud-bank  rended  by  the  thunder 

Compared  to  the  resoimding  of  that  lyre 
Engarlanding  the  Sapphire  beauteous 
Whose  holy  azure  tints  the  Heaven  of  Fire. 

"I  am  the  Love  angelic  circling  thus 

The  lofty  rapture  of  the  womb,  that  blest 
Hostel  of  Him  who  was  desired  of  us; 


The  Assumption  of  Mary 


403 


And  I  shall  circle  until  thou  foUowest 

Thy  son,  O  Lady  of  Heaven,  diviner  making 
The  Sphere  supreme  because  thou  enterest." — 

So  now  the  circling  melody  was  taking 

The  seal,  and  all  the  other  lights  in  fine 
With  name  of  Mary  into  song  were  breaking. 

That  regal  mantle  which  doth  all  entwine 
The  rolling  worlds,  and  hath  its  appetite 
Most  quickened  in  the  breath  and  deeds  divine. 

Held  far  remote  from  us  and  at  such  height 
Above  my  standing  place  its  inner  shore. 
That  vision  of  it  dawned  not  on  my  sight. 

Therefore  mine  eyes  did  not  have  power  to  soar 
After  the  flame  incoronate,  who  rose 
Up  to  her  Son  where  He  had  risen  before. 

As  little  child  toward  the  mother  throws 
Its  arms  up,  soon  as  it  with  milk  is  fed. 
And  grateful  love  in  such  a  transport  shows. 

When  each  and  all  of  those  fair  splendors  shed 
Their  hght  upstretching,  so  an  infinite 
Love  toward  Mary  in  the  act  I  read. 

Before  me  still  remained  those  splendors  white. 

And  "Queen  of  Heaven"  they  all  so  sweetly  chanted 
That  present  with  me  yet  is  the  delight. 

Oh,  how  great  plenty  is  laid  up  unscanted 
In  those  abounding  coffers  that  of  old 
Were  husbandmen  upon  the  ground  they  planted! 

There  live  they,  glad  in  treasure  manifold 
Which  in  captivity  at  Babylon 
They  gathered  up  with  tears,  forsaking  gold. 

There  triumphs,  under  the  exalted  Son 
Of  God  and  Mary,  now  victorious 
And  with  the  council  old  and  new,  that  one 

Who  holds  the  keys  of  gate  so  glorious. 


Probably  the 
ninth  sphere, 
"that  first 
moved"  (Pri- 
mum  mobile) 


They  had  re- 
ceived "the 
Kingdom  of 
God  as  a  lUtlg 
child" 


St.  Peter 


404 


Paradiso 


Beatrice  praya 
for  Dante 


Cf.  the  com- 
parison  at  end 
of  Canto  X 


The  fairest  carol 
sweeps  around 
Beatrice 


XXIV 

St.  Peter  Examines  Dante  Concerning  Faith 

"O  chosen  fellowship  of  the  Lamb  Blest 

At  the  great  supper  where  He  feeds  you  so 
That  your  desire  is  ever  set  at  rest, 

Since  Grace  Divine  doth  on  this  man  bestow 
Foretaste  of  viands  from  your  feast  above. 
Or  ever  death  cut  short  his  time  below. 

Give  heed  to  his  immeasurable  love. 

Bedew  him  somewhat:  ye  are  quaffing  bowls 
Brimmed  from  the  fount  that  he  is  dreaming  of  ."- 

So  Beatrice  besought;  and  those  blithe  souls 

Flasht  out  like  comets  streaming  in  the  sky, 
Whirling  in  circles  round  determined  poles. 

And  even  as  wheels  in  clock  escap>ement  ply 
In  such  a  fashion  geared  that  motionless 
Appears  the  first  one,  and  the  last  to  fly. 

Likewise  those  wheeling  carols  let  me  guess. 
By  variable  measure  of  the  dance 
Or  swift  or  slow,  their  wealth  of  blessedness. 

The  carol  that  seemed  fairest  to  my  glance 
Was  flaming  forth  such  plenitude  of  bliss 
That  none  was  left  of  greater  radiance. 

And  swept  three  times  encircling  Beatrice 
Accompanied  with  singing  so  divine 
That  fantasy  in  me  falls  short  of  this: 

I  write  it  not,  my  pen  must  skip  the  fine. 

For  hues  of  fancy  would  too  coarsely  glare. 
Let  alone  words,  on  drapery  so  fine. 

"O  holy  sister,  thy  compelling  prayer 

Devout,  and  with  so  fervent  feeling  made, 
Detaches  me  from  yonder  circle  fair." — 

After  the  blessed  fire  its  motion  stayed. 
Did  it  directly  to  my  Lady  turn 
Breathing  forth  what  I  have  already  said. 


Examination  on  Faith 


405 


And  she  replied  to  it:  "O  light  eterne 

Of  the  great  peer  to  whom  our  Master  gave 
Keys  he  brought  down  of  this  delight  supem, 

Invite  this  man,  on  questions  light  or  grave 
As  pleases  thee,  about  the  Faith  to  tell 
Wherethrough  thou  once  didst  walk  upon  the  wave. 

If  loves  he,  hopes  he,  and  believes  he  well, 

Is  hidden  not  from  thee  who  hast  thine  eye 
Where  all  things  seen  as  in  a  picture  dwell. 

But  it  becomes  him  thus  to  testify 

For  the  true  Faith,  that  it  be  glorified, 
Seeing  this  Realm  is  citizened  thereby." — 

As  arms  the  bachelor,  whose  tongue  is  tied 
Until  the  Master  doth  the  question  stir. 
To  sanction  it  with  proof,  not  to  decide. 

Even  so  did  I,  hearing  these  words  from  her, 
Equip  me  all  with  answer  in  advance 
In  such  a  shrift  to  such  examiner. 

"Speak  up,  good  Christian,  give  it  utterance, 

What  thing  is  Faith?" — Whereat  I  raised  my  brow 
Whither  was  breathing  forth  that  radiance. 

And  then  turned  roimd  to  Beatrice,  who  now 
Wafted  prompt  signals  to  me  that  I  lift 
The  inward  sluice  gate  and  my  creed  avow. 

"May  Grace,  which  is  vouchsafing  to  me  shrift 
In  presence  of  the  chief  Centurion," 
Began  I,  "mold  the  expression  of  my  drift. 

Father,  as  wrote  the  truthful  pen  thereon 

Of  thy  dear  brother  who  set  the  feet  of  Rome 
In  the  right  path  with  thee.  Faith's  benison 

Is  substance  of  the  things  we  hope  will  come. 
And  of  invisible  things  the  evidence: 
Its  essence  such  appears  to  me  in  sum." — 

Then  heard  I :  "Rightly  dost  thou  catch  the  sense. 
If  comprehending  why  he  classed  it  now 
With  substances  and  now  with  arguments." — 


The  light  of 
St.  Peter 


Picture  of  an 
examination 
such  as  the 
Poet  had  under- 
gone at  the 
University 


Definition  of 
Faith  drawn 
from  St.  Paid 


406 


Paradiso 


Faith  is  the 
substance, — 
that  which 
stands  under 
and  supports 
Hope 


Faith  based  on 
Scripture 


Divine  because 
attested  by 
miracle 


^^  This  is  arguing 
in  a  circle,^ 
objects  the 
examiner 


And  I  thereon :  "The  deep  things  which  allow 

That  ghmpses  of  themselves  should  here  be  shown 
Are  so  concealed  from  mortal  eye  below 

As  to  exist  there  in  belief  alone. 

Whereon  our  hope  sits,  founded  high  aloof. 
Whence  Faith  is  by  the  name  of  substance  known; 

From  which  belief  is  laid  on  us  behoof 

To  argue  without  seeing  more  than  it, 
Wherefore  it  takes  the  notion  on  of  proof." — 

Then  heard  I :  "If  whatever  men  admit 

For  doctrine  were  so  understood  on  earth, 

No  room  would  there  remain  for  sophist  wit." — 

This  was  from  that  enkindled  Love  breathed  forth, 
Subjoining  then :  "Right  well  dost  thou  rehearse 
The  carats  of  this  coinage  and  the  worth : 

But  tell  me  if  thou  hast  it  in  thy  purse?" — 

And  I :  "That  have  I,  both  so  bright  and  round 
That  of  its  stamp  to  me  no  doubt  occurs." — 

Thereafter  issued  from  the  light  profound 
Glowing  above,  this  utterance  thereto: 
"This  precious  gem,  wherein  all  worth  we  found. 

Came  to  thee  whence?" — And  I:  "The  ample  dew 
Of  the  Celestial  Spirit,  which  is  shed 
Over  the  Ancient  Parchments  and  the  New, 

Is  argument  that  hath  within  me  bred 

Belief  so  strong  that,  set  against  its  force. 
All  demonstration  seems  to  me  but  dead." — 

I  heard  thereon :  "The  old  and  the  new  course 
Of  argument  with  such  conclusion  fraught. 
Why  dost  thou  hold  it  for  divine  discourse?" — 

And  I :  "The  very  proof  is  to  be  sought 

In  th*  after-works,  whereto  might  never  be 
Hot  iron  yet  on  Nature's  anvil  wrought." — 

"Who  vouches,  pray,"  it  was  replied  to  me, 

"That 'these  works  were  performed? — ^Thou  wouldst 

attest 
The  very  text  aflSrming  it  to  thee." — 


^ 


Grounds  of  Dante  s  Faith 


407 


*^Though  without  miracles  the  world  confest 
Christianity,  this  were  a  hundredfold 
More  wonderful,"  I  answered,  "than  the  rest; 

For  poor  and  hungry  once  into  the  wold 

Didst  thou  go  forth  to  sow  there  the  good  plant, 
A  bramble  now,  which  was  a  vine  of  old." — 

The  high  and  holy  Court,  then  celebrant. 

Made  a  "Praise  God"  throughout  those  circles  ring 
In  such  a  melody  as  there  they  chant. 

And  that  great  Lord  who,  thus  examining. 

Had  so  far  drawn  me  now  from  spray  to  spray 
That  near  the  topmost  frondage  poised  our  wing. 

Resumed:  "The  Grace  whose  dalliance  doth  so  play 
Upon  thy  soul,  thus  far  to  conference 
Hath  opened  thy  lips  duly;  and  I  pay 

My  commendation  to  what  issued  thence; 
But  now  to  tell  thine  own  belief  is  meet, 
And  why  it  captured  thine  intelligence." — 

"O  holy  Father,  soul  with  so  complete 

Discernment  of  thy  faith,  thou  didst  outfare, 
Anigh  the  Sepulcher,  more  youthful  feet," — 

Began  I, — ^"thou  wouldst  have  me  here  declare 
The  very  essence  of  my  prompt  believing. 
And  also  have  the  grounds  of  it  laid  bare. 

And  I  reply :  by  faith  am  I  receiving 

One  God,  sole  and  eterne,  the  Heavens  all 
.    Who  moves  (Himself  unmoved)  by  love  and  craving. 

And  for  such  faith  have  I  proofs  physical 
And  metaphysical,  nor  am  denied 
The  verity  that  showers  from  here  withal 

Through  Moses,  Psalms,  and  prophecies,  beside 
The  Evangel,  and  what  you  Apostles  writ 
When  by  the  fiery  Spirit  sanctified. 

In  three  Eternal  Persons,  and  to  wit 

One  Essence  I  believe,  so  One  and  Trine 
That  are  and  is  the  syntax  must  admit. 


The  conversion 
of  the  world 
through  the 
agency  of  a  few 
humble  men 
would  have 
been  more  won- 
derful than  a 
miracle 


Dante's  own 
belief  and  its 
grounds 


408  Paradiso 

This,  the  mysterious  state  of  the  Divine, 

Doth  many  a  time  the  Gospel  teaching  leaven, 
Which  stamps  upon  my  mind  its  seal  and  sign. 
This  is  the  focus  whence  the  spark  is  driven 
Which  then  doth  into  Kving  flame  dilate 
And  shine  within  me  Hke  a  star  in  Heaven." — 
Even  as  a  lord  who  hears  good  tidings,  straight 
The  story  ended,  presses  to  his  breast 
The  servant  whom  he  would  congratulate, 
The  light  of  St.    So,  by  his  singing  rendering  me  blest, 
^Wdes^Dante as  Three  times  encircled  me,  when  ceased  my  voice. 

it  had  first  en-  That  apostoUc  Light  at  whose  behest 

cirded  Beatrice    j  spoke:  SO  did  he  in  my  words  rejoice. 


"<Se  mai  continga  che  it  poema  sacro^^        409 


XXV 

St.  James  Examines  the  Poet  Concerning  Hope 

If  ever  it  happen  that  the  Sacred  Song, 

Whereto  both  Heaven  and  Earth  have  so  set  hand 
That  it  has  made  me  lean  for  seasons  long. 

Should  foil  the  cruelty  that  keeps  me  banned 

From  the  fair  sheepfold  where,  a  lamb,  I  lay. 
Hated  of  wolves  that  harry  all  the  land. 

With  other  voice,  with  other  fleece,  that  day 
Returning  Poet,  will  I  from  mine  own 
Baptismal  font  accept  the  wreath  of  bay; 

There  entered  I  the  Faith  that  renders  known 
The  soul  to  God;  and  after,  by  her  worth. 
Did  Peter,  as  I  said,  my  brow  enzone. 

Then  usward  moved  a  radiance  that  took  birth 

Out  of  that  sphere  whence  issued  the  first  Head 
Of  those  Christ  left,  his  vicars  here  on  earth. 

And  my  own  Lady,  full  of  rapture,  said : 

"Look,  look,  behold  the  Baron  for  whose  grace 
Galicia  below  is  visited." — 

As,  circling  nearer  to  the  nesting  place 

And  cooing  to  his  mate,  ahghts  the  dove, 
And  both  pour  forth  affection,  in  like  case 

I  saw  one  great  and  glorious  Prince  with  love 

And  welcome  by  that  other  grandeur  greeted. 
Praising  the  food  which  feeds  them  thereabove. 

But  when  the  gratulation  was  completed. 

Silent  in  front  of  me  they  both  stopt  short. 
Enkindled  so,  mine  eyes  fell  down  defeated. 

Then  Beatrice  smiled  forth  what  I  report: 

"Illustrious  Life,  who  didst  in  boimty  write 
The  perfect  gifts  of  our  Imperial  Court, 

Do  thou  make  Hope  resound  upon  this  height. 
For  thou  dost  hope  as  often  typify 
As  Jesus  granted  to  the  three  most  light.'* — 


These  lines,  too 
few,  express  the 
Poet's  hope 
deferred  i 


Froissard  also 
terms  St. 
James  a 
"Baron."  He 
was  believed  to 
be  buried  at 
Santiago  de 
Compostela, 
"The  Jerusalem 
of  the  West" 


Beatrice,  smil- 
ing, addresses 
the  light  of  St. 
James 


410 


Paradiso 


Cheering  words 
of  the  Apostle 
to  the  Poet 


Beatrice 
answers  for 
Dante  as  to  the 
second  ques- 
tion, that  he 
might  not 
appear  to  boast 


Definition  of 
Hope 


"Be  of  good  cheer  and  lift  thy  head  on  high. 
For  all  ascending  here  from  mortal  stress 
Must  in  our  mellowing  rays  to  ripen  lie.'^ — 

The  Second  Fire  did  with  this  comfort  bless; 

Whence  to  the  hills  I  raised  mine  eyes,  before 
Bowed  heavily  by  radiant  excess. 

"Since  of  his  grace  desires  our  Emperor 

That  thou  meet  face  to  face  before  thy  death 
His  baronage  within  the  secret  door, 

That,  seeing  this  Court  truly,  thou  draw  breath 
Till  in  thyself  and  others  thou  relume 
The  Hope  which  well  below  enamoreth, — 

Tell  what  hope  is,  and  how  therewith  abloom 
Thy  spirit,  and  tell  whence  it  came  to  thee:" 
So  speaking,  did  the  Second  Light  resume. 

And  she  who  with  compassionate  sympathy 
To  so  high  flight  my  fledgy  wings  beguiled, 
With  answer  thus  anticipated  me : 

"Church  militant  has  not  a  single  child 
Richer  in  hope,  as  read  we  in  the  fire 
Of  that  Sun  which  throughout  our  host  has  smiled; 

And  hence  it  was  vouchsafed  to  his  desire 
To  come  from  Egypt  to  Jerusalem 
To  see,  before  the  limit  of  his  hire. 

The  other  two  points, — since  thou  askest  them 
Not  for  thy  knowing,  but  that  he  report 
To  men  this  virtue  as  thy  dearest  gem, — 

To  him  I  leave;  he  will  not  find  them  thwart 
Nor  matter  of  boast;  let  him  reply  thereto. 
Nor  may  the  grace  of  Grod  in  him  come  short." — 

I  answered  even  as  willing  pupils  do 

The  Master,  who  are  glad,  when  competent, 
That  their  proficiency  be  brought  to  view: 

"Hope  is  the  expectation  confident 

Of  future  glory,  fountain  that  doth  stream 
From  Grace  divine  and  merit  that  forewent. 


Coming  of  St.  John 


411 


Stars  many  cause  this  light  on  me  to  beam. 

But  who  first  made  it  through  my  bosom  shine 
Was  supreme  singer  of  the  Guide  Supreme. 

So  speaks  he  in  his  Psalmody  divine: 

*Hope  they  in  Thee  who  know  thy  name, — *  and  who 
Can  know  it  not,  having  like  faith  with  mine? 

Thou  then  didst  so  bedew  me  with  his  dew 
In  thine  Epistle  that  I  am  full,  and  pour 
On  others  rain  that  showers  from  both  of  you." — 

While  thus  I  spoke,  within  that  living  core 

Of  fire  there  quivered  forth  a  flash  of  light 
Quick  as  chain  lightning.  Whereupon  once  more 

It  breathed:   "The  love  wherewith  I  flame  so  bright 
For  that  same  Virtue  still  my  comforter 
Unto  the  palm  and  issue  of  the  fight. 

Again  on  thee  whose  joy  abides  in  her 

Moves  me  to  breathe;  and  I  would  fain  be  told 
What  is  it  Hope  gives  promise  to  confer?" 

And  I:  "The  Scriptures,  new  as  well  as  old. 
Set  forth  the  emblem  whence  I  understand 
The  bliss  of  souls,  God's  friends,  the  double-stoled: 

Isaiah  promises  that  all  shall  stand 

In  their  own  land  with  double  raiment  on, — 
And  this  sweet  life  is  their  own  fatherland; 

Far  more  distinctly  does  thy  brother  John, 
Where  he  is  treating  of  the  robes  of  white, 
Make  manifest  to  us  this  benison." — 

Now  first,  my  words  being  ended,  from  the  height 
"Hope  they  in  Thee"  a  voice  was  heard  to  say. 
The  carols  all  responding;  then  a  light 

Among  them  shot  forth  so  intense  a  ray 

That,  if  the  Crab  held  one  such  diamond. 
Winter  would  have  a  month  of  one  sole  day. 

As  winsome  maiden  rises  with  a  bound 

To  go  and  join  the  dancing,  honor  due 
Giving  the  bride,  and  from  no  motive  fond. 


Dante  first 
drew  it  from 
the  Psalms; 
next  from  the 
Epistle  of 
James 


If  the  Sign  of 
Cancer  had  a 
star  as  bright 
as  the  light  of 
St.  John,  the 
winter  night 
would  be  abol- 
ished 


412 


Paradiso 


The  pelican, 
supposed  to  feed 
her  brood  with 
her  own  blood, 
is  an  emblem 
of  Christ  in 
medieval  art 


Compare 
Dante's  desire 
to  see  the  glori- 
fied body  of  St. 
Benedict,  Canto 


The  Poet  can- 
not see  Beatrice 


So  saw  I  drawing  near  the  other  two 

The  brightened  splendor,  where  they  wheeled  along 
As  it  became  their  burning  love  to  do. 

It  mingled  with  their  measure  and  their  song; 
And  gazing  on  them  did  my  Lady  rest 
Even  as  a  bride  unmoved  and  still  of  tongue. 

"This,  this  is  he  who  lay  upon  the  breast 
Of  our  own  Pelican;  to  him  the  award 
Of  the  great  trust  was  from  the  cross  addrest." — 

My  Lady  thus;  not  more  was  her  regard 

Moved  to  withdraw  itself  from  its  delight 
Before  these  words  of  hers,  or  afterward. 

Like  one  endeavoring  to  view  aright 

The  eclipsing  of  the  sun  a  little  space. 

Who  through  long  gazing  grows  bereft  of  sight, 

Such,  by  that  latest  fire,  became  my  case. 

While  it  was  said:   "Why  dost  thou  dazzle  thee 
To  see  a  thing  that  here  can  have  no  place? 

My  body  is  on  earth,  and  there  will  be 

With  all  the  rest,  until  our  number  grow 
Such  as  to  tally  with  the  eterne  decree. 

With  the  two  robes  in  blessed  cloister  glow 

Only  those  two  great  Splendors  who  ascended; 
Bear  this  report  back  to  your  world  below." — 

And  at  this  voice  the  flaming  whirl  was  ended. 
And  therewithal  was  brought  to  quiet  close 
The  trinal  breath  harmoniously  blended, 

As  when,  avoiding  risk,  or  for  repose. 

The  oars,  that  smote  till  now  upon  the  wave, 
All  pause  together  when  a  whistle  blows. 

Alas!  how  much  the  mind  in  me  misgave 

When  I  turned  round  to  look  on  Beatrice, 

At  having  no  power  to  see  her,  although  I  clave 

Close  to  her  side,  and  in  the  world  of  bliss. 


Dante  Blinded  by  the  Light  of  the  Saint      413 


XXVI 

St.  John  Examines  Him  Concerning  Love 

While  I  was  trembling  for  my  sight,  forspent 
By  the  effulgent  flame,  there  issued  thence 
A  breathing  voice  that  made  my  heed  intent. 

Saying:  "While  thou  recoverest  the  sense 

Of  vision  which  thou  hast  burnt  out  on  me. 
Let  conversation  serve  for  recompense. 

Begin  then,  and  declare  where  centered  be 

Thy  heart's  desires;  and  let  assurance  stand 
That  dazzled  and  not  dead  is  sight  in  thee. 

Because  the  eyes  of  the  Lady,  through  this  land 
Divine  conducting  thee,  irradiate 
The  power  that  was  in  Ananias'  hand.'' — 

I  said:  "To  these  mine  eyes,  which  were  her  gate 
To  enter  with  fire  that  ever  burns  me  so. 
Let  balm  come  at  her  pleasure,  soon  or  late. 

The  Good  whereto  these  courts  contentment  owe 
Is  Alpha  and  Omega  of  the  scroll 
That  Love  is  reading  me,  or  loud  or  low." — 

The  selfsame  voice,  first  lifted  to  control 

My  fear  when  dazzled  suddenly,  to  large 
Discourse  of  reason  called  again  my  soul: 

"Nay,  but  thy  sieve  more  finely  must  discharge," 
So  it  resumed,  "and  needs  must  thou  reply. 
Who  aimed  thy  arrows  at  so  high  a  targe?" — 

"By  teachings  of  Philosophy,"  said  I, 

"And  by  authority  descending  hence 
I  bear  perforce  the  print  of  love  so  high. 

For  Good,  as  such,  when  brought  in  evidence, 
Makes  love  flow  forth  to  it  in  fuller  stream 
As  it  embraces  more  of  excellence. 

Hence  to  the  Essence  which  is  so  supreme 
That  every  good  outside  it  to  be  traced 
Is  but  an  emanation  from  its  beam, 


St.  John 
assures  the 
Poet  that 
Beatrice  vnU 
do  for  him  what 
Ananias  did 
for  Paid 


Primal  good 
necessarily  en- 
kindles Love 


Aristotle  taught 
that  the  world 
is  moved  by  the 
desire  of  aU 
things  for  God 


414 


Paradiso 


"cmne  bonum," 
"all  good"  in 
the  Vulgate 

The  Apocalypse 


The  homely 
words  "teeth" 
"biting,"  are  in 
accordance  with 
the  Poet's  pro- 
posed intention 
to  vyrite  in 
everyday  lan- 
guage such  as 
even  mere 
women  of  the 
people  use 
(mulierculoB) 


More  than  to  any  other  needs  must  haste 
In  love  the  soul  of  every  one  not  blind 
To  truth  whereon  this  argument  is  based. 

This  truth  has  been  unfolded  to  my  mind 

By  him  who  demonstrates  to  me  what  drew 
The  primal  love  of  all  the  eternal  kind. 

It  is  unfolded  by  the  Author  true 

To  Moses,  speaking  of  His  proper  worth: 
*A11  goodness  will  I  set  before  thy  view.' 

Thou  too  unfoldest  it  at  setting  forth 

To  cry  Heaven's  secret  in  that  herald  word, 
The  loftiest  of  all  heralding  to  earth." — 

"By  human  understanding,"  then  I  heard, 
"In  concord  with  authoritative  writing, 
Thy  sovran  love  is  looking  Heavenward. 

But  further,  if  thou  feelest  other  plighting 

That  draws  thee  Godward,  by  thy  words  attest 
With  just  how  many  teeth  this  love  is  biting." — 

Not  hidden  from  me  was  the  purpose  blest 

Of  the  Eagle  of  Christ;  nay,  whither  he  would  guide 
My  declaration  became  manifest. 

"All  of  those  bitings,"  therefore  I  replied, 

"Of  force  to  turn  the  heart  to  God  alone. 
Combine  to  make  such  love  in  me  abide: 

Because  the  world's  existence  and  mine  own. 
His  death  that  I  might  live  forevermore. 
And  what  I  hope  with  every  faithful  one. 

As  well  as  the  aforesaid  living  lore. 

Drew  me  from  love  perverse  wherein  I  drowned. 
And  of  right  love  have  set  me  on  the  shore. 

My  love  for  blooms  embowering  the  ground 
Of  the  eternal  Gardener,  is  strong 
In  measure  as  His  gifts  in  them  abound." — 

Soon  as  I  paused,  a  strain  of  sweetest  song 

Rang  through  the  Heaven,  and  my  Lady  said, 
"O  Holy,  Holy,  Holy!"  with  the  throng. 


Speaks  the  Father  of  Our  Race 


415 


As  slumber  breaks  when  vivid  light  is  shed. 

So  runs  the  spirit  of  sight  to  meet  the  burning 
Splendor,  through  tunic  after  tunic  sped 

Until  the  waker  flinch, — ^for  undiscerning 
Is  consciousness  before  the  sudden  day 
Till  judgment  to  his  succor  is  returning, — 

Thus  from  mine  eyes  drove  Beatrice  away 
All  motes  with  luster  of  her  own  so  bright 
That  myriads  of  miles  was  shed  the  ray; 

Whence  better  than  beforehand  was  my  sight: 
And  I  made  question  like  one  in  a  maze. 
Perceiving  there  before  us  a  Fourth  Light. 

My  Lady  answered:  "Shrouded  in  those  rays 

The  first  soul  that  was  made  by  Virtue  Prime 
On  his  Creator  doth  in  rapture  gaze." — 

Even  as  the  treetop  bows  from  time  to  time 
Beneath  the  passing  breeze,  then  rises  slow 
To  place  again  through  native  power  to  climb. 

While  she  was  sp)eaking  did  I  waver  so, 

And  then  grew  confident,  though  struck  with  awe. 
Such  will  to  question  set  me  all  aglow. 

And  I  began:  "O  fruit  that  ripe,  not  raw. 

Alone  hast  been  produced,  O  Father  of  yore 

To  whom  each  bride  is  daughter  and  daughter-in-law. 

Devoutly  as  I  may  do  I  implore 

Thy  speech  with  me;  thou  seest  that  I  have  stayed 
My  utterance  to  speed  thy  speaking  more." — 

Sometimes  a  covered  animal  is  swayed 
So  that  its  feeling  necessarily 
Is  by  its  undulating  wrap  betrayed; 

And  so  the  primal  soul  gave  me  to  see. 

Transpiring  through  his  screen  of  radiance, 
How  blithesome  he  became  to  pleasure  me. 

Then  he  breathed  forth:  "Without  thine  utterance 
Can  I  more  readily  detect  thy  yearning. 
Than  canst  thou  any  surest  circumstance. 


The  return  of 
the  Poet's  eye- 
sight scientifi- 
cally described^ 
as  science  was 
then  understood 


The  light  of  the 
first  created 
human  soul 


How  the  Poet 
detected  the 
joy  of  Adam 


416 


Paradiso 


Dante's  four 
questions,  his- 
torical, theo- 
logical, philo- 
logical 


The  third  ques- 
tion is  first 
answered:  be- 
cause our  First 
Parents  wished 
to  be  ^^  as  gods, 
knowing  good 
and  evil"  (So 
the  Vulgate) 


Adam  states 
that  he  re- 
mained in  Par- 
adise but  seven 
hours!   This 
voas  tradition 


Because  in  the  True  Mirror  this  discerning, 
Which  forms  of  all  things  images  sublime, 
And  naught  such  mirror  unto  Him  is  turning. 

Thou  wouldest  know  what  ages  since  the  time 
God  placed  me  in  the  lofty  Paradise, 
Where  taught  thy  Lady  so  long  stair  to  climb. 

And  how  long  it  was  pleasant  to  mine  eyes, 
And  the  true  reason  of  the  scorn  divine. 
And  the  idiom  I  used  and  did  devise. 

Now,  not  the  tasted  tree,  O  son  of  mine. 

Was  solely  cause  of  so  great  banishment. 
But  only  overstepping  of  the  line. 

Down  there,  whence  by  thy  Lady  Virgil  went, 

Four  thousand  and  three  hundred  circles  and  two 
Of  sun,  I  yearned  for  this  high  Parliament; 

And  on  the  solar  pathway  to  my  view 

Nine  hundred  times  the  lights  all  reawoke. 
And  fifty,  and  still  breath  on  earth  I  drew. 

Long  silent  were  the  accents  that  I  spoke 
Before  the  work  not  to  be  consummated 
Was  undertaken  first  by  Nimrod's  folk; 

For  never  aught  by  reason  fabricated 

Endured,  because  of  human  choice  renewing 
As  heavenly  influences  operated. 

The  use  of  speech  by  man  is  nature's  doing; 
But  nature  lets  you  shape  it  thus  or  so 
As  suits  the  fashion  you  may  be  pursuing. 

Before  I  sank  down  to  the  Eternal  Woe, 

Men  gave  the  name  of  *Jah*  to  the  Chief  Good 
Whence  comes  the  rapture  round  me  all  aglow; 

Then  called  Him  *Er  as  fitted  to  their  mood; 

For  mortal  fashions  are  like  leaves  that  cling 
To  branch,  and  fall  in  swift  vicissitude. 

The  Mount  above  the  wave  most  towering 

Held  me,  with  life  first  pure,  and  then  undone, 
From  the  first  hour  to  that  next  following 

The  sixth,  at  altered  quadrant  of  the  sun." — 


Indignation  of  St  Peter                  417  '^ 

XXVII  \ 

Ascent  to  the  Crystalline  Heaven:   A  Splendid  j 
Vision,  Set  between  Two  Rebukes  to  Men 

"To  Father,  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost  ; 

Glory,"  began  with  sweetness  exquisite  ' 

Intoxicating  me,  the  Heavenly  Host.  '\ 

Seemed  what  I  witnessed  with  so  deep  deUght  I 

A  laughter  of  the  Universe;  for  this  i 

Elation  entered  through  both  ear  and  sight.  J 

O  Joy  supreme!  O  inexpressive  bliss !  ] 

O  life  of  love  and  peace  in  ample  store ! 

O  wealth  secure  exempt  from  avarice ! 

Above  my  enraptured  eyes  the  torches  four  j 

Stood  kindled,  and  the  one  that  first  had  come  : 

Began  to  grow  more  vivid  than  before,  ■■ 
And  to  take  on  such  look  as  might  assume 

Bright  Jupiter  were  he  and  ruddy  Mars 

Transformed  to  birds,  with  interchange  of  plume.     The  light  of  \ 

The  Providence  allotting  to  the  stars  ^^-  ^^% . 

,    .               .                       .  grows  ruddy 
Of  heaven  their  function  and  their  oflSce  due, 

Had  stilled  the  quiring  of  the  blessed  cars,  ■ 

When  I  heard  say:  "If  I  transform  my  hue,  \ 

Marvel  not,  for  behold  incarnadine  ; 

While  yet  I  speak  will  grow  the  others  too!  ; 

He  who  on  earth  usurps  that  place  of  mine,  | 

That  place  of  mine,  that  place  which  now  doth  lie  St  Peter  de-  ■ 

Vacant  in  presence  of  the  Son  Divine,  T""^.^  ^^^^        ] 

rr                                                   '  Boniface  as  an         ! 

Has  turned  my  sepulcher  into  a  sty  umrper                ■ 

Of  blood  and  filth,  so  that  the  Evil  One  | 

Who  fell  from  here  is  comforted  thereby." — 
With  such  a  crimson  as  the  adverse  sun 

Paints  on  the  cloud  at  morn  or  eventide,  • 

Did  I  behold  all  heaven  suffused  thereon. 

And  as  a  modest  lady  doth  abide  ^ 

Sure  of  herself,  but  through  another's  shame  ( 

At  the  mere  hearing  becomes  mortified. 


418 


Paradiso 


The  same 
"dread  voice" 
that  speaks  in 
Milton's 
"Lycidas" 


Clement  V  was 
a  Gascon;  John 
XXII  from 
Cahors 


As  Cacciaguida 
had  done  (Can- 
to xvii,  final 
lines),  so  Peter 
commands  the 
Poet  to  speak 


So  Beatrice  changed  semblance;  and  I  deem 

That  such  eclipse  took  place  in  Heaven  perchance 
When  suffered  the  Omnipotence  Supreme. 

Thereon  proceeded  forth  his  utterance 

With  voice  so  greatly  altered  that  behold! 
Was  not  more  changed  his  very  countenance: 

"The  Bride  of  Christ  was  nurtured  not  of  old 
On  blood  of  mine  and  that  of  Linus  good 
And  Cletus,  to  be  used  for  acquist  of  gold; 

But  for  acquist  of  this  beatitude 

Did  Sixtus,  Pius,  and  Calixtus  weep. 

And  Urban,  and  thereafter  shed  their  blood. 

Nor  purposed  we  the  Christian  folk  to  keep 
To  right  and  left  of  our  successors, — these 
Stigmatized  goats,  the  others  favored  sheep; 

Nor  were  confided  to  my  hand  the  Keys 
To  be  an  emblem  on  a  banneret 
For  war  on  the  baptized;  nor  do  I  please 

To  figure  as  a  signet  that  is  set 

On  privileges  venal  and  untrue. 

Whereat  my  frequent  blush  is  burning  yet. 

From  here  aloft  in  all  the  folds  a  crew 

Of  ravening  wolves  in  shepherd  garb  is  seen: 
Vengeance  of  God,  why  dost  thou  he  perdue? 

To  drink  our  blood  Gascon  and  Cahorsine 

Are  making  ready.  Alas,  must  needs  the  end 
Of  fair  beginning  be  indeed  so  mean.f* 

But  lofty  Providence  that  once  did  fend 

Rome's  empire  of  the  world  with  Scipio, 
Will  quickly  here,  I  deem,  some  succor  lend. 

And  thou  who  must  return  once  more  below 

Through  mortal  load,  open  thy  mouth,  my  son, — 
Fail  not  to  say  what  I  fail  not  to  show.^' — 

As  when  our  atmosphere  is  snowing  down 

In  flakes  the  frozen  vapors,  when  the  horn 
Of  the  Sky-goat  is  gilded  by  the  sun, 


Ascent  to  the  Crystalline  Heaven 


419 


Such  swarming  flakes  in  triumph  upward  borne 

Seemed  those  who  with  us  there  had  sojourn  made, 
And  now  awhile  the  ethereal  sky  adorn. 

My  sight  was  following  what  their  wraiths  displayed. 
And  followed  till  the  vastness  manifold 
All  power  of  penetrating  farther  stayed. 

Whereon  my  Lady,  seeing  me  withhold 

From  gazing  up,  commanded  me:  "Now  cast 
Thine  eye  down  at  the  distance  thou  hast  rolled.'' — 

I  saw  that,  so  revolving,  I  had  passed 

From  the  first  hour  I  lookt,  the  whole  arc  through 
Which  the  first  climate  makes  from  midst  to  last. 

Hence  could  the  wild  course  of  Ulysses  view 
Past  Cadiz,  and  well-nigh  the  hither  shore 
Whereon  Europa  so  dear  burden  grew. 

And  further  surface  of  this  threshing  floor 

Had  been  uncovered,  but  the  sun  sped,  turning 
Beneath  my  feet,  removed  a  Sign  and  more. 

Now  my  enamored  spirit  always  yearning 
After  my  Lady,  to  bring  back  and  sate 
Mine  eyes  on  her,  was  more  than  ever  burning. 

All  Nature  ever  made,  or  art,  of  bait 

To  catch  the  eye  and  captivate  the  thought 
In  human  flesh  real  or  delineate. 

This,  though  united,  would  appear  as  naught 
To  the  diviner  beauty  piercing  through  me 
When  now  her  smiling  face  I  turned  and  sought. 

The  power  wherewith  I  felt  that  look  endue  me. 
From  the  fair  nest  of  Leda  tore  me  away 
And  to  the  fleetest  heaven  of  all  updrew  me. 

So  uniform  its  parts  I  cannot  say 

Which  one  had  Beatrice  chosen  for  my  place, — 
Full  of  exceeding  life  and  lofty  they. 

Then  she,  who  saw  my  longing,  of  her  grace 
Began  with  smile  of  so  blithe  innocence 
That  God  app>eared  rejoicing  in  her  face: 


An  upward  fall 
of  snow 


Dante  had  re- 
volved with  the 
Tvnns  through 
90°  of  the  ""first 
climate"  and 
could  now  see 
that  portion  of 
the  earth  from 
the  Eastern 
Mediterranean 
to  where 
Ulysses  voyaged 
the  Atlantic 
(Inf.  xxn).  Cf. 
the  close  cf 
Canto  xxii 


The  nest  of 
Leda  by 
metonymy  for 
the  Tvdns,  Cos- 
tor  and  Pollux 


420 


Paradiso 


The  CrystaUine 
Heaven,  "that 
first  moved" 


Here  are  the 
roots  of  Time 


The  daughter  is 
the  human 
race.    The  Sun 
is  the  father  of 
mortal  life 
(Canto  xxii, 

lie) 


"The  nature  of  the  World  which  holds  suspense 
The  center  and  makes  all  else  around  it  fare, 
Doth  here  as  from  its  starting  point  commence. 

And  in  this  Heaven  there  is  no  other  Where 

Than  in  the  Mind  Divine,  wherein  both  move 
The  Love  that  turns  and  Power  that  sheds  the  sphere . 

Engird  it  with  one  cincture  light  and  love. 
As  it  engirds  the  others;  He  alone 
Who  girdles  it  is  governor  thereof. 

No  other  measures  motion  all  its  own. 

But  by  this  mete  are  measured  all  the  rest, 
As  ten  by  its  half  and  by  its  fifth  is  shown. 

And  how  in  such  a  vessel  Time  can  nest 
Its  roots,  its  foliage  in  the  others  grow. 
Henceforward  may  to  thee  be  manifest. 

O  Greed,  who  overwhelmest  mortals  so 

Beneath  thyself  that  none  has  masterdom 
To  lift  his  eyes  again  from  out  thy  flow! 

Will  does  indeed  in  men  to  blossom  come; 
However  long-continued  rain  and  reek 
Convert  to  blighted  fruit  the  perfect  plum. 

Only  in  little  children  are  to  seek 

True  faith  and  innocence;  then  both  too  soon 
Vanish  before  the  down  is  on  the  cheek. 

Many  keep  fast  while  yet  they  babble  and  croon. 
Who  swallow,  when  the  tongue  is  free  to  play. 
Whatever  food  under  whatever  moon; 

And  many  while  they  babble  love  and  obey 

Their  mother,  who  when  they  can  speak  aright 
Long  for  the  dawning  of  her  burial  day. 

Even  so  the  skin  grows  swarthy,  which  was  white 
At  the  first  aspect,  of  the  daughter  fair 
Of  him  who  ushers  morning  and  leaves  night. 

But  lest  thou  shouldst  as  at  a  marvel  stare. 
Consider  none  on  earth  is  governor. 
Whence  human  household  strays  from  thoroughfare. 


A  Sanguine  Prophecy  421 

But  before  January  be  no  more  Roughly  esti- 

In  winter,  by  the  hundredth  part  neglected  TtitcdeZ 

Down  there,  so  shall  these  upper  circles  roar  amounted  to  a 

That  Fortune,  who  has  been  so  long  expected,  tf^l^yLr 

Shall  whirl  the  stern  about  where  lies  the  boom. 
So  that  the  fleet  will  run  the  course  directed; 

And  perfect  fruit  will  follow  on  the  bloom." — 


4^S 


Paradiso 


He  first  catches 
this  revelation 
from  the  eyes  of 
Beatrice 


A  Spaceless 
Paint  of  sur- 
passing bril- 
liance 


The  nine  orders 
of  Angels 


Though  the 
rainbow  were  a 
complete  circle 


XXVIII 

The  Heavenly  Intelligences 

When  she  who  doth  imparadise  my  mind 

Had  ended  the  veracious  charge  she  brought 
Against  the  Hfe  of  wretched  humankind, — 

As  one  whose  eye  has  in  a  mirror  caught 
The  image  of  a  torch  behind  him,  long 
Before  he  has  it  or  in  sight  or  thought. 

And  turns  to  verify  if  right  or  wrong 

The  mirror  speak,  and  finds  it  to  agree 

With  truth,  as  chimes  the  meter  with  the  song,-^ 

So  did  I,  as  I  call  to  memory. 

On  looking  in  those  eyes  with  beauty  burning 
Wherewith  Love  made  the  noose  for  snaring  me. 

And,  as  I  shifted  round  my  look,  discerning 
The  contents  of  that  volume,  read  aright 
With  eye  that  is  intent  upon  its  turning, 

I  saw  a  Point  which  radiated  light 

So  piercing  that  the  vision,  fired  thereby. 
Is  closed  perforce  by  vividness  so  bright. 

That  star  appearing  smallest  to  our  eye 

Would  seem  a  moon  beside  its  light  intense. 
As  star  is  matcht  with  star  along  our  sky. 

Perchance  in  distance  equal  to  that  whence 
Halo  engirds  the  light  that  has  impearled 
Its  color  when  the  vapor  is  most  dense. 

So  distant  round  the  Point  a  circle  whirled 
Of  fire  so  swift  its  motion  had  outpaced 
That  which  goes  quickliest  around  the  world; 

Round  this  another  circle  swept  in  haste. 

Round  that  a  third,  a  fourth  the  third  enwound, 
The  foiu*th  a  fifth,  and  that  a  sixth  embraced; 

The  seventh  came  afterward  so  wide  of  bound 

That  Jimo's  herald,  though  complete,  would  run 
Too  narrow  to  engirdle  it  around; 


Relativity 


423 


Likewise  the  eighth  and  ninth;  and  slowher  on 
Did  each  one  move  according  as  accrued 
Its  number  farther  from  the  point  of  One; 

And  shone  that  flame  with  clearest  plenitude 
From  the  Pure  Spark  at  shortest  interval, 
I  think  because  more  with  its  truth  imbued. 

Perceiving  me  become  the  anxious  thrall 

Of  dubitance,  my  Lady  spoke  this  word: 

"From  that  one  Point  hang  Heaven  and  nature  all. 

Look  at  that  circle  which  doth  next  engird 

The  Point,  and  know  it  has  such  eager  haste 
For  the  enkindled  love  whereby  'tis  spurred." — 

But  I  made  question:  "If  the  world  were  based 
Upon  the  order  yonder  wheels  disclose. 
Enough  were  what  has  been  before  me  placed; 

But  in  the  world  of  sense  one  sees  and  knows 
The  orbits  to  be  ever  more  divine 
The  more  their  distance  from  the  center  grows. 

Whence  wouldst  thou  still  the  longing  that  is  mine, 
Within  the  wonderful  angelic  Fane 
Which  light  and  love  and  these  alone  confine, 

I  need  to  hear  thee  furthermore  explain 

Why  copy  is  not  here  with  pattern  vying. 
Since  I  unaided  gaze  thereon  in  vain." — 

"Suffice  not  thy  own  fingers  for  untying 

Such  knot,  there  is  no  wonder,  seeing  it 

So  tangled  has  become  for  want  of  trying." — 

My  Lady  thus;  and  then:  "Take  what  seems  fit 
For  me  to  tell,  wouldst  thou  be  satisfied, 
And  going  round  it  sharpen  thou  thy  wit. — 

The  spheres  corporeal  are  strait  or  wide 
According  to  the  virtue  less  or  more 
Which  throughout  all  their  regions  is  supplied. 

Superior  good  wills  weal  superior. 

And  if  like  perfect  organs  it  dispose, 
Holds  larger  body  weal  in  larger  store. 


The  PoeVs  sci- 
entific notion  of 
space  (and 
therefore  of 
time)  seems 
here  upset  and 
reversed 


Apparently  the 
sensible  uni- 
verse reverses 
the  pattern 


The  larger  cor^ 
poreal  circles 
are  more  excel- 
lent;  in  the 
world  now  sud- 
denly revealed 
the  order  is  re- 
versed, so  that 


424 


Paradiso 


the  sphere  'Hhat 
first  moved" 
corresponds  to 
the  smallest 
circle  of  intelli- 
gences 


Referring  to 
pictures  of  the 
vnnds  on  old 
maps  {cf. 
Shakespeare: 
"Blow  ivinds 
and  crack  your 
cheeks") 


The  squares  of 
the  board  re- 
duplicated by 
arithmetical 
progression 


Therefore  this  sphere  which  carries  as  it  goes 
All  the  universe  beside,  must  correspond 
To  that  small  circle  which  most  loves  and  knows. 

Hence  if  thou  seek  to  measure  with  thy  wand, 
Not  the  appearance,  but  the  excellence 
Of  substances  to  thy  discerning  round, 

Of  more  with  greater  wondrous  congruence. 
As  of  the  less  with  lesser  wilt  thou  seek 
In  every  Heaven,  with  its  Intelligence." — 

Then  as  remains  serene  and  cleared  of  reek 
The  hemisphere  of  air,  soon  as  the  blast 
Is  puffed  by  Boreas  from  the  gentler  cheek, 

Whereby  the  cloudy  rack  that  overcast 
The  welkin  is  dissolving,  and  the  blue 
Of  Heaven  in  all  its  beauty  smiles  at  last, 

So  cleared  was  I  of  all  confusion  through 
The  lucid  answer  that  my  Lady  made. 
And  like  a  star  in  Heaven  appeared  the  true. 

Thereon,  when  her  discourse  to  me  was  stayed. 
As  iron  rays  forth  sparkles  under  stress 
Of  fire,  such  sparkles  now  the  circles  rayed. 

Each  spark  did  with  their  blazing  coalesce. 
And  running  into  thousands  manifold 
More  than  the  duplication  of  the  chess. 

From  quire  to  quire  I  heard  Hosannah  rolled 

To  the  fixed  Point  which  holds  them  to  the  Where 
From  evermore,  and  will  forever  hold. 

And  she,  of  my  perplexity  aware. 

Said:  "The  first  gyres  enlighten  thee  concerning 
The  Seraphim  and  Cherubim,  who  fare 

After  their  bonds  so  swiftly,  because  yearning 

To  grow  as  like  the  Point  as  most  they  may, — 
And  so  they  may,  exalting  their  discerning. 

Those  other  loves  that  whirling  round  them  play 
Are  Thrones,  wherein  God's  grace  is  manifest. 
For  that  the  primal  triad  ended  they. 


Orders  of  Angels 


425 


And  thou  must  know  that  one  and  all  are  blest 
According  as  they  penetrate  the  true. 
Wherein  all  understanding  is  at  rest. 

Herein  perceive  we  how  the  act  of  view 

Is  source  wherefrom  beatitude  draws  being. 
Not  act  of  love  thereafter  to  ensue; 

And  merit  is  the  measure  of  this  seeing, — 

Merit  begot  by  Grace  and  right  endeavor: 
Such  are  the  steps  progressively  agreeing. 

The  second  triad,  burgeoning  forever 
To  flower  in  this  sempiternal  spring 
Which  the  nocturnal  Ram  doth  ravage  never, 

Is  here  perpetually  caroling 

Hosannah,  sounded  with  three  melodies 
Whence  orders  three  with  trinal  rapture  ring. 

This  priesthood  musters  three  divinities: 

The  Dominations  first,  the  Virtues  then. 
And  third  the  order  of  the  Potencies. 

Next,  all  but  ultimate,  in  dances  twain. 

Are  Princedoms  and  Archangels  wheeling  on; 
Rejoicing  Angels  last  in  sportive  train. 

Upward  are  gazing  all  these  orders  yon, 
And  down  prevail  so  that  to  the  divine 
They  all  are  drawing  as  they  all  are  drawn. 

Such  zeal  to  contemplate  these  orders  nine 
Showed  Dionysius,  that  coincided 
His  definitions  and  his  names  with  mine. 

Thereafter  Gregory  from  him  divided; 

Wherefore  that  saint,  first  opening  his  eye 
Within  this  Heaven,  himself  with  smiles  derided. 

And  that  on  earth  a  mortal  might  descry 

Such  inward  truth,  need  not  astonish  you. 
Since  learned  from  him  who  saw  it  here  on  high, 

With  much  more  of  these  circles  that  is  true.^ — 


Love  flows 
Jrom  knowledge 


The  constella- 
tion Aries  ap- 
pears in  our 
sky  at  the  time 
of  the  f  ailing 
leaf 


Dionysius 
learrusd  the 
truth  from  St. 
Paul 


426 


Paradiso 


The  setting  sun 
and  the  rising 
full  moon  at  the 
Equinox, — the 
one  under  tfie 
Ram,  the  other 
under  the  scales 
(Libra) 


Why  the  Angels 
were  created 


Outside  time 
and  space 


Pure  form  or 
act  is  identified 
vnth  intelligence 
(Angels);  matter 
is  the  pure 
potency^  passive 
in  character;  the 
comhinaiion  of 
form  and  matter 
is  found  in  cre- 
ated things,  es- 
pedally  in  man 


XXIX 

Creation  and  Nature  of  Heavenly  Intelligence 

When,  by  the  Ram  and  by  the  scales  o'erbrooded. 
The  twinborn  children  of  Latona  fair 
In  one  horizon  girdle  are  included. 

Long  as  the  zenith  balances  them  there 

Until  both  swerve  from  that  circumference 
Unbalancing  and  shifting  hemisphere. 

So  long,  with  smiles  lighting  her  countenance. 
Paused  Beatrice,  concentering  her  ken 
Upon  the  Point  that  had  subdued  my  glance. 

"I  tell  and  do  not  ask,"  began  she  then, 

"What  thou  wouldst  hear;  by  vision  I  assist 
Where  centers  every  Where  and  every  When. 

Not  to  possess  Himself  of  good  acquist. 

Which  cannot  be,  but  in  the  splendor  of 
His  glorious  declaration,  *I  Exist,' 

Beyond  all  limits,  and  all  time  above. 
As  pleased  Him,  in  His  o^ti  eternity, 
Unfolded  in  new  loves  the  Eternal  Love. 

Nor  yet  before  as  if  inert  lay  He, 

Since  nor  before  nor  after  moved  the  flow 
Of  spirit  divine  to  brood  upon  this  sea. 

Matter  and  form,  combined  and  simple,  so 
Came  into  being  flawless  and  unblighted. 
Like  arrows  three  from  triple-corded  bow; 

And  as  glass,  amber,  crystal  may  be  lighted 
So  that  between  the  earliest  radiation 
And  full  effulgence  all  remains  united. 

Even  so  the  Father's  threefold  operation 
All  at  a  flash  its  being  consummated 
Without  an  interval  in  the  creation. 

Order  was  constituted  and  created 

In  substances;  and  the  world's  crowning  grace 
Were  these,  wherein  pure  act  was  generated. 


Creation  of  Angels 


427 


Pure  potency  retained  the  lowest  place; 

Midway  did  act  and  potence  interweave 
Such  withies  as  can  never  disenlace. 

Jerome  wrote  to  you  that  we  must  believe 
The  angels  to  have  been  created  ages 
Before  the  other  world;  thou  mayst  perceive. 

However,  if  thou  but  peruse  the  sages 

Through  whom  the  Spirit  spoke  in  Holy  Writ, 
The  very  truth  displayed  on  many  pages; 

And  also  reason  gets  a  glimpse  of  it. 

Which  that  Prime  Movers  for  so  long  could  be 
Without  their  perfect  work,  could  not  admit. 

Now  where  these  loves  were  formed  is  known  to  thee. 
And  when  and  how;  and  in  thy  longing  hence 
Already  are  extinguisht  ardors  three. 

Ere  they  reach  twenty  who  to  count  commence. 
So  quickly  of  the  angel  host  a  part 
Disturbed  the  lowest  of  your  elements. 

The  rest,  who  stayed,  began  to  ply  this  art 
Which  thou  beholdest, — so  beatified 
That  never  from  their  circling  they  depart. 

The  Fall  originated  in  the  pride 

Accursed  of  that  One  whom  thou  hast  seen 
Crushed  by  the  weights  of  all  the  world  beside. 

Those  whom  thou  seest  here  have  humble  been 

To  acknowledge  them  as  from  that  Goodness  kind 
Which  made  them  apt  for  knowledge  so  serene; 

Wherefore  illuminative  Grace  combined 

With  their  own  merit  to  exalt  their  view 
So  that  they  have  a  full  and  steadfast  mind. 

I  would  not  have  thee  doubt,  but  hold  it  true 
That  grace  accepted  thus  is  merited 
By  laying  open  the  longing  heart  thereto. 

Henceforth,  so  have  my  words  been  harvested, 
Canst  round  this  Sacred  College  take  thy  fill 
Of  contemplation  without  further  aid. 


These  substances 
at  the  top  of  cre- 
ation are  the 
Angels,  which 
are  pure  act  or 
form  (i.e.,  in- 
telligence). 
This  interbraid- 
ing  of  spirit  and 
matter  cannot 
be  severed  by 
death 


The  Angels, 
movers  of  the 
spheres,  could 
not  be  con- 
ceived as  inac- 
tive 


The  rebellious 
angels  fell  to 
earth  before  one 
could  count 
twenty 


Cf.  Inf.  xxxii,  3 


428 


Paradiso 


Memory  cannot 
be  'predicated  of 
beings  outside 
of  time  and 
space,  who 
never  forget 


They  do  not 
*^look  before  and 
after  and  sigh 
for  what  is  not" 


The  stormy 
voice  again 


Common  nick' 
names  in  Flor- 
ence: "Lapo^ 
corresponds  to 
''Jake"  (Jacopo) 
(cf.  riii,  139) 


But  since  on  earth  your  schools  attribute  still 

To  the  angelic  nature,  memory 

Together  with  intelligence  and  will, 
I  will  speak  further  to  make  clear  to  thee 

The  truth,  confused  by  men  below  who  indite 

Prelections  fraught  with  ambiguity. 
These  substances,  since  first  they  drew  delight 

From  God's  own  face,  wherefrom  is  hidden  naught. 

Have  never  turned  away  from  it  their  sight; 
Whence  they  have  vision  intercepted  not 

By  concept  new,  and  need  not  undertake 

To  call  back  memory  through  divided  thought. 
So  men  down  there  are  dreaming,  wide  awake. 

Weening,  or  weening  not,  truth  to  declare; 

But  in  the  one  more  guilt  and  shame  partake. 
Below  ye  travel  not  one  thoroughfare 

Philosophizing;  so  far  does  the  love 

Of  show  delude  you,  and  its  specious  air. 
Yet  even  enduring  this,  the  Heavens  above 

Are  less  indignant,  than  when  set  aside 

Is  Holy  Writ  or  idly  prated  of. 
What  blood  was  spent  to  sow  it  far  and  wide 

Is  given  no  heed,  nor  how  their  prayer  is  heard 

Who  in  humility  by  it  abide. 
Each  is  agog  to  shine,  and  ply  absurd 

Inventions,  and  these  form  the  staple  theme 

Of  preachers, — of  the  Gospel  not  a  word! 
During  Christ's  passion,  some  would  have  us  deem 

The  moon  turned  back  again  and  canceled  through 

The  intercepted  sunlight;  and  some  dream 
That  of  its  own  accord  the  light  withdrew. 

And  hence  would  this  eclipse  alike  appear 

To  Spaniard  and  to  Indian,  as  to  Jew. 
So  many  a  Lapo  and  Bindo  every  year 

Breeds  Florence  not,  as  fables  of  this  kind 

Are  bawled  out  from  the  pulpit,  far  and  near; 


Sensational  Preachers 


4^9 


So  that  from  pasture,  flatulent  with  wind, 
The  silly  sheep  flock,  witless  of  salvation; 
Yet  is  it  no  excuse  that  they  are  blind. 

Christ  did  not  say  to  his  first  congregation: 
*Preach  to  the  world  with  idle  utterance,* 
But  laid  for  their  behoof  the  true  foundation; 

And  that  had  from  their  lips  such  resonance. 
That,  to  enkindle  faith,  their  battle  quest. 
The  Gospel  formed  their  buckler  and  their  lance. 

Now  preachers  sally  forth  to  break  a  jest. 

Buffoons  who,  so  they  may  provoke  a  grin. 
Puff  out  their  cowls  and  reck  not  of  the  rest; 

But  could  the  people  see  what  bird  of  sin 

Is  nestling  in  the  hood-tail,  they  would  guess     , 
What  kind  of  pardon  they  are  trusting  in; 

Whence  in  the  world  so  waxes  foolishness 
That,  seeking  not  approof  of  any  sign. 
Men  jump  at  promise  of  indulgences. 

Hereby  St.  Anthony  makes  fat  his  swine, 

And  others  also,  far  more  swine  than  they. 
Paying  their  scot  with  counterfeited  coin. 

But  since  we  have  gone  very  far  astray, 

Let  us  look  back  to  the  straight  thoroughfare. 
So  with  the  time  to  shorten  up  the  way. 

The  angelic  nature  runs  up  such  a  stair 
Of  number,  scaling  so  remote  a  height. 
Never  could  tongue  or  thought  pursue  it  there. 

And  Daniel's  revelation,  read  aright, 

Shows,  in  the  thousands  he  enumerates, 
That  definite  number  is  withheld  from  sight. 

The  Primal  Light,  which  all  irradiates. 

By  modes  as  many  is  received  in  these 
As  are  the  splendors  whereunto  it  mates. 

And  since  love  follows  on  the  act  that  sees. 

Therefore  the  sweetness  of  their  love  is  spoken, 
More  or  less  fervent  in  diverse  degrees. 


St.  Anthony 
jnits  the  hog 
under  his  feet 
as  a  symbol; 
his  monks  now 
degenerate  to 
the  hog 


Number  of  the 
angels  countless 


430  Paradiso 

Let  this  the  height  henceforth,  and  breadth  betoken 
Of  Worth  Eternal,  fashioning  great  store 
Of  mirrors  whereupon  its  light  is  broken. 

One  in  Itself  remaining  as  before." — 


^^Da  questo  passo  vinto  mi  concedo^^         431 

XXX 

The  Celestial  Rose 

When,  eastward  ho !  six  thousand  miles  perchance 
Noon  blazes,  and  toward  the  level  bed 
The  shadow  of  this  world  already  slants. 

The  deep  of  central  heaven  above  our  head 

Grows  so  suffused  that  here  a  star  and  yon 
Begins  to  pale  the  radiance  it  shed. 

And,  as  the  brightest  handmaid  of  the  sun 

Advances,  so  are  quencht  the  heavenly  graces 
Star  after  star,  even  to  the  fairest  one. 

Not  else  the  Triumph  that  forever  races 

Around  the  Point  which  overcame  me  quite. 
Seeming  embraced  by  that  which  it  embraces. 

Was  imperceptibly  immerged  in  light; 

Whereat  to  turn  mine  eyes  on  Beatrice, 
Love  laid  constraint  on  me,  and  lack  of  sight. 

Could  what  is  said  of  her  as  far  as  this 

All  in  one  single  act  of  praise  conclude, 
It  would  but  serve  the  present  turn  amiss. 

The  beauty  that  I  saw  doth  so  elude 

Our  measure,  that  its  Maker,  I  surely  deem. 
Alone  can  taste  its  full  beatitude. 

I  yield  me  vanquisht  at  this  pass  supreme; 
Comic  or  tragic  poet  overborne 
Was  never  thus  by  crisis  of  his  theme. 

For,  as  to  dazzled  sight  the  sun  of  morn. 

So  doth  her  sweet  remembered  smile  erase 
My  memory,  of  its  very  self  forlorn. 

From  the  first  day  when  I  beheld  her  face 

In  this  life,  even  until  the  present  viewing. 
My  song  yet  never  faltered  on  her  trace; 

But  now  I  must  give  over  from  pursuing 
Her  beauty  in  these  cadences  of  mine. 
Like  every  artist  taskt  beyond  his  doing. 


When  it  is  noon 
90°  or  more 
eastward,  the 
sun  is  about  to 
rise  here,  and 
Aurora,  the 
dawn,  is  put- 


ting out 
candies" 


night's 


At  the  ascent  to 
the  Empyrean 
the  smile  of 
Beatrice  be- 
comes supremely 
sweet 


432  Paradiso 

Such  as  I  leave  her  to  a  more  divine 

Renown  than  any  that  my  trumpet  grants, — 
Which  now  concludes  its  arduous  design, — 

She  said,  with  leader's  voice  and  vigilance: 

"Quitting  the  widest  sphere  of  the  concrete 
We  reach  the  heaven  that  is  pure  radiance: 

Radiance  of  intellect  with  love  replete. 

Love  of  true  good  replete  with  ecstasy. 
Ecstasy  far  exceeding  every  sweet. 
The  Host  of       Here  both  the  one  and  the  other  soldiery 
fhat^o/il  """^  ^  Paradise,  and  one  host  of  the  two 

Redeemed  Robed  as  at  Final  Judgment,  shalt  thou  see.'* — 

As  when  a  sudden  lightning  routs  the  crew 
Of  visual  spirits,  putting  them  to  flight 
So  that  the  clearest  things  are  canceled  through, 

So  beamed  there  all  about  me  Uving  light. 

Leaving  so  thick  a  veil  around  me  closing. 
That  I  saw  nothing  for  that  glory  bright. 

"The  Love  wherein  this  heaven  is  aye  reposing 
Is  wonted  so  to  welcome  those  who  come. 
Duly  the  taper  for  its  flame  disposing." — 

No  sooner  had  this  brief  exordium 

Within  me  penetrated,  than  I  knew 
Myself  upraised  beyond  my  masterdom; 

And  I  rekindled  with  new  power  of  view 

Such  that  no  Ught  could  be  so  unalloyed 
But  that  mine  eyes  were  tempered  thereunto. 

And  I  saw  light  in  river-form  with  tide 

Of  fulgent  fire  between  two  margins  streaming. 
Which  wondrously  with  flowers  of  spring  were  dyed. 

Out  of  that  current  living  sparks  were  teeming 

And  flashing  from  the  flowers  with  hues  intense 
Like  very  rubies  from  gold  patines  gleaming. 

Thereon,  appearing  drunken  with  the  scents. 

They  plunged  again  into  the  wondrous  eddy. 
And  as  one  sank  another  issued  thence. 


The  River  of  Light 


433 


"The  lofty  wish  aflame  in  thee  already 

For  knowledge  of  this  vision,  in  Hke  wise 
Extends  my  joy  as  its  increase  is  steady; 

But  thou  must  of  this  water  of  Paradise 

Drink  deep,  to  slake  a  thirst  that  so  consumes  "- 
Thus  spoke  to  me  the  sunshine  of  mine  eyes. 

Adding:  "The  river  and  the  smiling  blooms, 
The  plunging  and  emerging  jewels  bright, 
Are  types  of  truth  that  in  their  shadow  looms; 

Not  that  these  things  are  hard  to  see  aright, 
But  on  thy  part  there  is  inaptitude 
Since  not  yet  so  exalted  is  thy  sight." — 

There  is  no  child  far  later  than  it  should 
Awakening,  with  face  toward  the  breast 
That  plunges  with  more  hunger-stricken  mood. 

Than  did  I,  that  mine  eyes  might  mirror  best 
That  vision,  bending  me  my  fill  to  take 
Out  of  that  flood  which  pours  to  make  us  blest. 

No  sooner  had  I  felt  its  ripple  slake 

Mine  eyelids,  than  both  margins  seemed  to  yield 
From  long  to  large  and  rounded  to  a  lake. 

Then,  even  as  masqueraders  are  revealed 
Quite  other  than  beforehand,  letting  fall 
The  alien  guise  wherein  they  were  concealed. 

So  changed  for  me  to  ampler  festival 

The  flowerets  and  the  flashes,  till  I  saw 
Clearly  the  two  Courts  of  the  heavenly  Hall. 

O  splendor  of  very  God,  whereby  I  saw 

The  Kingdom  true  in  triumph  high,  increase 
In  me  the  power  to  tell  it  as  I  saw! 

A  light  up  yonder  shows  without  surcease 
The  Maker  to  that  creature,  who  alone 
In  seeing  Him  inherits  its  own  peace; 

And  this  light  broadens  in  a  circling  zone 
So  far  and  wide  that  its  circumference 
Would  be  too  large  a  girdle  for  the  sun. 


The  stream  of 
grace,  the 
flowers,  and  the 
ruby-sparks  are 
but  symbols 


Dante's  sight 
exalted  to  see  the 
reality  behind 
these  symbols 


The  identical 
triple  rime  upon 
''saw"  has  the 
same  solemnity 
as  that  upon 
"Christ."   Cf. 
Hugh  Capet's 
discourse,  Purg. 
XX,  65-69 


434 


Paradiso 


Striking  upon 
the  outermost 
surface  of  the 
Universe,  it 
gives  motion  to 
all  the  spheres 


The  last  words 
of  Beatrice 


Its  semblance,  all  of  radiant  effluence. 

Doth  to  the  top  of  Primal  Motion  pass. 
Which  takes  vitality  and  vigor  thence. 

And  as  a  hillside  makes  a  looking-glass 
Of  water  at  its  foot,  as  if  discerning 
How  fair  and  rich  it  is  in  flowers  and  grass, 

So  mirrored,  round  and  round  above  the  burning 
On  myriads  of  thrones,  beheld  I  those 
Of  us  who  there  above  have  won  returning. 

And  if  the  lowermost  degrees  inclose 

Luster  so  large,  what  amplitude  of  light 
Spread  in  the  outer  petals  of  the  Rose! 

My  vision  in  the  vastness  and  the  height 

Strayed  not,  at  home  and  fully  conversant 
With  essence  and  with  scope  of  that  delight. 

There  near  and  far  do  neither  add  nor  scant, 
For  where  God  is  directly  governing 
The  law  of  nature  is  not  relevant. 

Into  the  yellow  Rose  unwithering. 

Whose  petals  are  unfurled  with  fragrance  cast 
Of  praise  unto  the  Sun  of  dateless  spring, 

Like  one  long  silent,  moved  to  speak  at  last. 
Did  Beatrice  conduct  me,  saying:  "View 
The  Congregation  of  white  robes,  how  vast! 

Look  the  wide  circuit  of  our  city  through ! 
Look  at  our  benches  which  are  so  replete 
That  here  henceforward  are  expected  few! 

There  where  thine  eyes  are  drawn  to  that  great  Seat 
By  the  already  overhanging  crown. 
Ere  thou  shalt  at  this  wedding  supper  eat. 

The  soul  of  noble  Henry  shall  sit  down, 

Who  comes,  august,  to  render  straight  the  way 
For  Italy,  ere  she  be  ready  grown. 

Blind  Greed,  who  doth  her  spell  upon  you  lay. 

Has  made  you  like  the  child  who,  though  he  pine 
With  famine,  pushes  yet  the  nurse  away. 


Last  Dreadful  Words  435 

Then  shall  be  Pontiff  in  the  Court  Divine  Clement  V, 

One  such  that  open  word  and  covert  deed  ^^^  ^"^^^ 

^  opposed  Henry 

Walk  not  on  equal  feet  to  one  design.  VII  while  pre- 

But  Uttle  while  will  God  permit  him  speed  ^mP^AlJnais 

In  Holy  Office,  for  he  shall  be  thrust  Boniface  VIII. 

With  Simon  Magus,  and  make,  by  way  of  meed,      ^^^^*'  ^^" 

Him  of  Alagna  bite  the  baser  dust." —  Infemo  xix 


436 


Paradiso 


The  comparison 
vrith  the  bee 
was  merely  sug- 
gested in  Canto 


Helice  waa 
turned  into  the 
Great  Bear  {the 
Wain  or  Dip- 
per), her  son 
into  Bootes 


XXXI 

Beatrice,  Assumed  into  the  Celestial  Rose,  Sends 
St.  Bernard  to  Dante 

In  fashion  therefore  of  a  pure  white  Rose 
Unfolded  to  my  view  the  sacred  throng 
Whom  Christ  in  His  own  blood  espoused.  But  those 

Who  witness  as  they  fly,  and  tell  in  song 

The  glory  of  Him  who  makes  them  love,  and  sing 
His  excellence  who  made  them  fair  and  strong, — 

Even  as  a  busy  swarm  of  bees  a-wing 

That  merge  in  flowers  awhile,  then  speed  away 
To  where  their  labor  sweet  is  savoring, — 

Plunged  into  the  Great  Flower,  with  fair  array 
Of  Petals,  and  were  reascending  thence 
Where  sojourns  their  own  Love  for  ever  and  aye. 

Their  features  were  alive  with  flame  intense. 

Golden  their  wings,  the  rest  so  white  that  banks 
Of  drifted  snow  have  not  their  innocence. 

Alighting  on  the  Flower,  to  ranks  on  ranks 
They  proffered  of  the  ardor  and  repose 
Which  they  had  won  by  winnowing  their  flanks. 

Nor  did  the  coming  in,  between  the  Rose 

And  That  Which  dwelt  above,  of  flight  so  great 
Obstruct  the  vision;  still  the  splendor  glows, 

For  through  the  universe  doth  penetrate 

In  measure  of  its  worth  the  Light  Divine 
So  that  no  bar  can  ever  separate. 

This  safe  and  happy  City,  where  combine 

Both  ancient  folk  and  modern  crowded  so, 
Had  look  and  love  all  turned  toward  one  sign. 

O  Trinal  Light,  that  in  one  Star  doth  glow 
Upon  their  vision  with  such  benison, 
Look  down  upon  our  tempest  here  below! 

If  the  barbarians  from  out  that  zone 

Where  spreads  forever  Helice  her  span 
Revolving  with  her  well-beloved  son, — 


Coming  of  St.  Bernard  437 

If,  entering  Rome,  her  mighty  works  to  scan, 

These  stared  in  wonder,  in  that  era  when 

Transcended  mortal  things  the  Lateran, — 
I,  who  to  the  Divine  had  come  from  men. 

From  time  unto  eternity  had  come. 

From  Florence  to  a  people  just  and  sane. 
With  what  amazement  was  I  overcome ! 

Truly  the  wonder  and  the  joy  between, 

*Twas  rapture  to  hear  nothing  and  stand  dumb. 
And  as  the  wayworn  pilgrim  grows  serene 

Gazing  around  the  temple  of  his  vow. 

And  muses  how  he  shall  describe  the  scene, 
I,  bending  on  the  living  light  my  brow. 

Followed  along  the  lines,  and  sought  to  trace. 

Now  up,  now  down,  and  round  the  circle  now. 
I  lookt  on  many  a  love-persuading  face 

Deckt  with  Another's  light,  and  their  own  eyes 

Smiling,  and  action  of  all  noble  grace. 
The  universal  form  of  Paradise 

My  glance  had  gathered  as  a  whole  immense. 

But  did  no  single  part  yet  signahze; 
And  round  I  turned  with  will  rekindled  thence 

To  ask  my  Lady  what  these  matters  be 

Concerning  which  my  mind  was  in  susjjense. 
One  thing  I  meant,  another  fronted  me: 

Weening  to  look  again  on  Beatrice, 

A  glory-vested  Elder  did  I  see. 
His  lineaments  were  overspread  with  bliss 

Benignant,  kindly  was  his  mien  and  eye, 

Betokening  a  father's  love  in  this. 
"And  she, — where  is  she?"  was  my  sudden  cry:  Speaks  St 

Whereat  he  answered:  "To  fulfill  thy  yearning 

Beatrice  urged  me  from  my  place  on  high : 
Third  from  supreme  the  circle,  which  discerning, 

Thou  shalt  again  behold  her  countenance 

Shine  down  from  where  her  worth  a  throne  is  earn- 
ing.^ 


Bernard         i 


Beatrice 


438  Paradiso  \ 

Without  reply  I  lifted  up  my  glance 

And  saw  her,  where  a  coronal  she  wore  j 

Woven  from  out  the  eternal  radiance.  I 

From  welkin  whence  the  highest  thunders  roar  \ 

Has  never  mortal  eye  so  distant  been,  \ 

Though  sunken  deep  beneath  the  ocean-floor,  j 

As  mine  from  Beatrice;  but  'twas  so  keen  j 

No  distance  mattered,  since  her  features  beaming  \ 

Shone  down  on  me  without  a  blur  between. 

Dante's  'prayer     "O  Lady  in  whom  my  living  hope  is  teeming,  \ 

o/^/...?^'*''^'^            And  who  didst  once  endure  to  leave  the  trace  ; 

Of  thy  dear  feet  in  Hell  for  my  redeeming. 

In  all  the  worth  and  beauty  finding  place  \ 
In  things  thou  hast  enabled  me  to  see, 
I  recognize  thy  virtue  and  thy  grace. 

Thou  leddest  me  along  from  slave  to  free  ' 
By  all  those  ways,  by  all  expedients 

Whereby  the  p>ower  to  do  so  lay  in  thee.  i 

Preserve  in  me  thine  own  magnificence,  \ 
So  that  my  spirit  through  thy  healing,  may 

Content  thee  as  it  slips  the  coil  of  sense.^' —  \ 

Far  as  she  seemed,  on  hearing  me  so  pray 

She  smiled  and  lookt:  then  to  the  Fountain-head  j 

Eternal  turned  her  shining  eyes  away.  ' 

"In  order ,'^  now  the  holy  Elder  said,  j 
"That  thou  complete  thy  course, —  whence  holy  love        j 

Dispatched  me  and  true  orisons  have  sped, —  i 

Let  thy  fleet  glances  through  this  garden  rove,  \ 

For  better  will  such  sight  thy  vision  steel  | 

Upon  the  ray  divine  to  mount  above.  j 

And  she,  the  Queen  of  Heaven,  for  whom  I  feel  . 

Love's  utter  flame,  will  grant  us  furtherance,  : 

For  reason  that  I  am  her  Bernard  leal." —  j 

Like  him  who  from  Croatia,  perchance,  i 

Comes  to  see  our  Veronica,  well  known  j 
Through  old  report,  and  cannot  sate  his  glance. 


The  Queen  of  Heaven 


439 


But  thinks  within,  so  long  as  it  be  shown, 

"My  Lord  and  very  God,  Christ  Jesus  Mine, 
And  were  these  features  once  thy  very  own?" — 

Such  was  I,  gazing  at  that  living  shrine 
Of  charity,  who  in  the  world  below 
By  contemplation  tasted  peace  divine. 

"This  blithesome  being  wilt  thou  never  know, 

0  son  of  grace,^  such  was  his  further  note, 
"With  eyes  but  fixed  here  at  the  bottom  so; 

But  mark  the  circles  to  the  most  remote 

Until  thou  shalt  the  enthroned  Queen  descry, 
To  whom  this  realm  is  subject  and  devote/' — 

I  raised  mine  eyes;  and  as  the  morning  sky 
Displays  a  point  of  the  horizon  bright 
Beyond  that  of  the  westering  sun,  so  I, 

As  going  with  my  glance  from  vale  to  height. 
Beheld  a  region  at  the  verge  extreme 
Surpassing  all  the  other  front  in  light. 

And  as,  where  we  expect  the  chariot-beam 

That  Phaeton  guided  ill,  the  glows  increase. 
Fading  away  on  either  hand,  the  gleam 

Illumined  so  that  Oriflamme  of  peace 

In  the  live  center,  while  on  either  side 
In  equal  measure  did  the  splendor  cease. 

And  at  that  center  I  saw,  on  wing  flung  wide, 
A  thousand  jocund  angels  sweep  along. 
In  glow  and  ministry  diversified. 

There,  smiling  on  their  games  and  at  their  song, 

1  saw  a  Beauty  that  was  bliss  indwell 
The  eyes  of  all  the  other  holy  throng. 

Yet  were  my  wealth  of  diction  parallel 

With  wealth  of  fancy,  rash  were  the  emprise 
The  least  of  her  delights  to  strive  to  tell. 

Then  holy  Bernard,  when  he  saw  mine  eyes 
Fastened  upon  the  object  of  his  yearning. 
His  own  in  her  did  so  imparadise 

As  to  make  my  desire  to  look  more  burning. 


Bernard  directs  \ 
the  Poet  to  look  \ 
up  to  the  Queen    1 


The  quieter  tone 
of  this  canto, 
vyith  its  lovely, 
familiar  images 
of  the  bees,  the 
Northman  in 
Rome,  the  pil- 
grim in  the 
temple  of  his 
vow,  the  Croa- 
tian gazing 
upon  the  pic- 
ture of  his 
Saviour,  the 
angels  sporting 
about  the  beau- 
tiful Queen, — 
is  in  marked 
artistic  contrast 
vxith  the  splen- 
dors and  inten- 
sity of  the 
Thirtieth 


440 


Paradiso 


Mary 

Eve 


Rachel 


Sara, 
Rebecca, 
Judith, 
Ruth 


Far  the  Dia- 
gram see  Gard- 
ner's "  Temiple 
Primei^ 


Between  his 
own  death  and 
that  of  his  Lord 


XXXII 

Order  of  Places  in  the  Mystic  Amphitheater 

That  contemplator  took  the  office  free 

Of  teacher,  while  intent  upon  his  bhss, 
Beginning  with  these  holy  words  to  me: 

"The  wound  by  Mary  balmed  and  covered,  this 
That  woman  fair  reposing  at  her  feet 
Inflicted,  opening  the  cicatrice. 

Beneath  her  third  in  order  has  her  seat 
Rachel,  and  thou  seest  at  her  side 
Beatrice.     Below  these  in  order  meet 

Sara,  Rebecca,  Judith,  and  that  bride, 

Great-grandame  of  the  singer  who  for  grief 
Of  his  own  guilt  the  Miserere  cried : 

From  rank  to  rank  descending,  these  in  chief 
Mayst  thou  behold,  as,  naming  each  one,  I 
Go  downward  through  the  Rose  from  leaf  to  leaf. 

And  from  the  seventh  degree,  as  from  on  high 
To  it,  are  Hebrew  women  cutting  through 
All  petals  of  the  Flower  successively; 

For  these,  according  to  the  point  of  view 

Whence  lookt  their  faith  to  Christ,  compose  a  blended 
Wall  that  divides  the  sacred  stair  in  two. 

Upon  this  side  where  every  j>etal  splendid 

Is  full  in  bloom,  are  seated  in  their  places 
All  who  believed  in  Christ  not  yet  descended; 

And  those  half -circling  ranks,  with  vacant  spaces 
On  the  other  side,  with  happy  intuition 
To  Christ  already  risen  turned  their  faces. 

And  just  as  here  the  glorious  position 

Of  Heaven's  Lady,  with  the  others  one  by  one 
Below  it,  constitute  so  great  division. 

So  counterposed  is  that  of  mighty  John, 

Who  bore  the  desert,  martyrdom  in  fine, 
And,  holy  still,  two  years  in  Hell  thereon; 


The  Ring  Fits  the  Finger  441  '■ 

And  Francis,  Benedict,  and  Augustine,  j 
With  others  hitherward  from  row  to  row 

Continue  downward  the  dividing  line.  \ 

Now  see  high  Providence  Divine,  and  know 

That  one  and  the  other  phase  of  our  beheving  { 

Shall  to  this  garden  equally  bestow.  i 

And  know  that  down  from  yonder  circle,  cleaving  i 

Across,  midway  on  the  partitions  two,  \ 

Sit  they,  no  meed  of  merit  so  retrieving,  i 

But  meed  of  others,  by  conditions  due;                               Baptized  i 

For  these  are  souls  who  did  the  flesh  divest                children  ^ 

Before  they  could  make  any  choices  true.  "i 

This  by  their  countenances  may  be  guessed 

And  by  the  tune  their  childish  voices  hum,  • 

If  thou  but  lookest  well  and  listenest.  \ 

Now  doubtest  thou,  and  doubting  makes  thee  dumb;  ' 

But  I  will  shatter  for  thee  the  strong  chain  \ 

Of  subtle  thought  which  is  so  cumbersome.  ] 

The  boundless  amplitudes  of  this  domain  I 
No  particle  of  accident  admit. 

More  than  of  hunger,  thirst,  or  any  pain,  i 

For  Law  Eternal  has  established  it  ,j 

In  what  thou  seest,  that  with  exactitude  I 
Duly  the  ring  doth  to  the  finger  fit. 

Wherefore  this  swiftly  hasting  multitude,  .;| 

Seeking  true  life,  are  not  without  causation  ] 

Placed  at  a  higher  or  lower  altitude.  j 

The  King  through  whom  reposing  is  this  nation  ; 

In  so  great  love  and  in  such  Paradise  I 

That  none  aspires  to  loftier  consummation,  ] 

All  minds  creating  in  his  own  glad  eyes,  | 

At  His  good  pleasure  doth  with  grace  endue  j 

Diversely;  and  here  let  the  fact  sufl5ce.  ] 

And  this  expressly  is  made  clear  to  you  ', 

In  Scripture,  by  that  twin-embrothered  pair  ; 

Who  even  in  their  mother  angry  grew.  j 


442 


Paradiso 


The  different 
complexions  of 
Jacob  and  Esau 
symbolize  the 
variations  in 
the  gift  of  grace 


The  rime  again 
on  the  sacred 


Whence  fittingly  the  light  supremely  fair 

May  crown  us  with  a  chaplet  of  that  grace 
According  to  the  color  of  the  hair. 

They  stand  then,  not  by  merit  of  their  ways. 
At  different  stages,  only  differing 
Themselves  in  primal  keenness  of  their  gaze. 

So,  when  the  centuries  were  at  the  spring, 
Sufficient  was  the  parents'  faith,  along 
With  native  innocence,  for  rescuing; 

And  when  the  centuries  were  no  longer  young, 
'Twas  needful  that  the  males  by  circumcision 
Should  have  their  innocent  pinions  rendered  strong; 

But  since  the  era  of  free  grace  has  risen. 
If  lacking  perfect  baptism  into  Christ, 
Such  innocence  has  been  kept  down  in  prison. 

Look  now  upon  the  face  most  like  to  Christ 

In  its  fair  lineaments,  whose  radiance  bright 
Alone  can  make  thee  fit  to  look  on  Christ." — 

I  saw  rain  down  upon  her  such  delight 
Carried  by  those  intelligences  good 
Created  all  for  soaring  through  that  height, 

That  whatsoever  I  before  had  viewed 

Did  never  so  suspend  my  soul  in  wonder 
Nor  show  me  of  God  so  great  similitude. 

And  that  Love  who  had  flown  before  thereunder 
Singing:  "Hail  Mary,  full  of  grace  benign!" — 
Now  spread  in  front  of  her  his  wings  asunder. 

Responses  to  the  minstrelsy  divine 

Rang  through  the  blessed  Court  from  all  and  some, 
Making  all  features  more  serenely  shine. 

"O  holy  Father,  who  endurest  to  come 

For  me  down  here,  quitting  the  blissful  quire 
Where  by  divine  allotment  is  thy  home. 

Who  is  that  Angel  who  with  glad  desire 

Looks  in  the  eyes  of  our  own  Empress  yon, 
Enamored  so,  he  seems  a  flame  of  fire.^^" — 


Great  Peers  of  the  Just  Realm  443 

So  turned  I  to  the  teaching  of  that  one 

Who  gathered  beauty  out  of  Mary's  face 

As  does  the  star  of  morning  from  the  sun. 
And  he  to  me:  "All  confidence  and  grace 

Are  in  him,  much  as  ever  was  conferred  on  The  Seraph 

Angel  or  soul,  and  willing  is  our  praise,  Gabriel 

For  this  is  he  who  brought  the  palm  as  guerdon 

To  Mary  down,  when  took  without  distrust 

The  very  Son  of  God  our  fleshly  burden. 
But  follow  with  thine  eyes  now,  for  I  must 

Pursue  the  theme,  and  mark  the  throng  of  those 

Great  peers  of  this  most  holy  realm  and  just. 
The  twain  who  most  enraptured  there  repose, 

Through  being  next  neighbors  to  Augusta  fair, 

Are  as  the  double  roots  of  this  our  Rose. 
He  who  upon  the  left  is  next  her  there 

Is  that  First  Sire  by  whose  audacious  taste 

Mankind  is  savoring  such  bitter  fare. 
That  ancient  Father  of  Holy  Church,  once  graced 

By  Christ  with  keys  of  this  fair  realm,  beside 

Our  Lady  and  upon  her  right,  is  placed. 
And  that  one  who  beheld  before  he  died 

All  grievous  days  of  her  purchased  for  us 

At  cost  of  lance  and  nails,  Christ's  own  fair  Bride, 
Sits  next  that  Father;  and  over  against  him  thus 

That  Leader  under  whom  were  fed  with  manna 

The  folk  ungrateful,  headstrong,  mutinous. 
Opposite  Peter  seest  thou  seated  Anna,  The  Poet  of  the 

So  happy  in  her  daughter  that  no  whit  ^""^  ^g  "^^ 

She  moves  her  eyes  away  to  sing  Hosanna.  thought  far  the 

Our  greatest  of  housefathers  opposite  fK^"^  ^'* 

Sits  Lucy,  who  impelled  thy  Lady  down  Let  us  caU  him 

When  thou  wast  heading  straight  toward  the  Pit.     <^narchitect,vntlt 

■n         '         rri'                   i       i            i  ati  cyc  to  syiTi- 
But  smce  Time  speeds  along  thy  trance  to  drown,  metry.  "Para- 
Here  let  us  pause,  like  prudent  tailor  who  ip°"  ^^^^, , 
Patterns  according  to  the  cloth  the  gown;  only  three  lines 


444  Paradiso 

And  to  the  Primal  Love  turn  we  our  view. 
So  that,  on  visionary  wing  upspeeding, 
Thou  pierce  as  in  thee  Hes  his  radiance  through. 

Yet  lest  thou,  peradventure,  while  receding, 

Flutter  thy  wings,  advancing  but  in  thought. 
Let  grace  be  our  petition,  grace  exceeding 

Through  her  with  power  to  help  thee  must  be  sought; 
And  do  thou  follow  me  with  adoration 
^         ^  ^  That  from  my  word  thy  heart  be  severed  not." — 

close  of  Canto  v    Here  he  began  this  holy  supplication: — 


Prayer  for  the  Eternal  Pilgrim 


445 


xxxin 

The  Prayer  of  St.  Bernard.  The  Ultimate  Vision 

"Daughter  of  thine  own  son,  thou  Virgin  Mother, 

Of  the  eternal  counsel  issued  fated. 

Lowlier  and  loftier  than  any  other, 
To  such  nobihty  hast  thou  translated 

Man*s  nature  that  its  Maker  did  not  spurn 

To  make  Himself  the  thing  that  He  created. 
Beneath  thy  heart  was  made  again  to  burn 

The  Love  by  virtue  of  whose  warmth  withal 

This  Flower  has  blossomed  in  the  peace  eterne. 
A  living  torch  here  art  thou  to  us  all 

To  kindle  love,  and  down  where  mortals  sigh 

Thou  art  a  fount  of  hope  perennial. 
Thou  art  so  prevailing.  Lady,  and  so  high 

That  who  wants  grace  and  will  to  thee  not  run 

Would  have  his  longing  without  pinions  fly. 
Thy  lovingkindness  fails  to  succor  none 

Imploring  it,  but  often  is  so  free 

As  to  anticipate  the  orison. 
In  thee  is  mercy,  pity  is  in  thee, 

In  thee  munificence,  in  thee  a  host 

Of  human  virtues  are  in  unity. 
This  man,  who  hither  from  the  nethermost 

Pool  of  the  world  comes  making  observation 

Of  spiritual  natures,  ghost  on  ghost. 
Now  doth  to  thee  of  grace  make  supplication 

That  he  by  vision  may  uplift  his  being 

Still  higher  toward  the  Ultimate  Salvation. 
And  I,  who  never  burned  for  my  own  seeing 

More  than  I  do  for  his,  imploring  pray 

With  all  my  soul,  and  pray  for  thine  agreeing. 
That  thou  drive  every  mortal  cloud  away 

Which  darkens  round  him,  with  thine  interceding, — 

Be  the  Chief  Joy  unveiled  to  him  today. 


Compare  the 
Invocation  to 
Mary  by 
Chaucer 


446  Paradiso 

Hear,  all-prevailing  Queen,  my  further  pleading. 
Keep  his  aflFections  through  thy  vigilance 
Sound  for  him,  after  vision  so  exceeding. 

Quell  by  thy  watchcare  baser  human  wants: 
Lo,  yonder,  Beatrice  with  all  the  blest 
Clasping  their  hands  to  thee  are  suppliants." — 

The  venerated  eyes,  beloved  best 

Of  God,  attent  on  him  who  made  the  prayer. 
Showed  us  her  pleasure  in  devout  request; 

Then  plunged  into  the  Light  Eternal,  where 
We  may  not  think  of  any  creature  turning 
An  eye  that  penetrates  so  clearly  there. 

And  I  who  to  the  goal  of  every  yearning 

Was  drawing  near,  slaked,  as  was  meet  for  me, 
And  satisfied  the  thirst  within  me  burning. 

Then  Bernard  beckoned  to  me  smilingly 
To  look  aloft;  but  I  already  grew 
Of  my  own  accord  as  he  would  have  me  be; 

Because,  becoming  purified,  my  view 

Now  more  and  more  was  entering  the  ray 
Of  the  deep  Light  that  in  itself  is  true. 
Cf.  "In  Me-        Thenceforth  my  seeing  was  more  than  tongue  can  say, 
"Vague\wrdi  Yields  our  discourse  before  the  Light  Supreme, 

but  ah  lum  hard  And  violated  memory  falls  away. 

jram  .  .  .       LiJ^g  Jum  y^\iQ  sees  while  dreaming,  and  the  dream 
Remains  thereafter  traced  upon  his  feeling. 
While  memory  holds  thereof  no  other  gleam. 

Even  such  am  I;  for  though  the  great  revealing 
Fades  almost  all  away  from  me,  yet  flow 
Its  drops  of  sweetness  in  my  heart  distilling. 

Thus  in  the  sun  evanishes  the  snow; 

Upon  the  light  leaves  by  the  zephyr  diifted 
The  wisdom  of  the  Sibyl  perished  so. 

O  Light  Supreme,  who  art  so  high  uplifted 

From  mortal  thought,  still  let  my  mind  with  some 
Of  what  thou  didst  appear  to  me,  be  gifted. 


The  Beatific  Vision  447 

And  dower  my  tongue  with  so  great  masterdom 
That  one  sole  sparkle  of  thy  glory  be 
Thereby  transmitted  to  the  folk  to  come; 

For  by  some  glimpses  caught  by  memory. 

And  by  some  echo  in  these  rimes,  perchance 
Better  shall  be  conceived  thy  victory. 

Pierced  by  the  vivid  living  radiance 

Methinks  I  had  been  lost,  if  by  the  sight 
Bewildered,  I  had  turned  aside  my  glance; 

And  I  remember,  till  I  could  unite 

My  gaze  therewith,  my  hardihood  to  dare 
The  vision  of  the  Goodness  Infinite. 

0  plenteous  grace,  whence  I  presumed  to  bear 

The  stress  of  the  Eternal  Light,  till  thirst 
Was  consummated  in  the  seeing  there! 

1  saw  in  its  abysmal  deep  immerst. 

Together  in  one  volume  bound  with  love, 
What  is  throughout  the  universe  disperst: 

Substance  and  accidents  all  thereabove 
So  interfused  in  property  and  mood, 
That  what  I  say  gives  but  scant  glimpse  thereof. 

Of  this  same  fusion  do  I  think  I  viewed 
The  universal  form,  for  uttering 
This  word,  I  feel  ampler  beatitude. 

To  me  more  Lethe  doth  one  moment  bring 

Than  five  and  twenty  centuries  for  the  emprise 
Whence  Argo's  shade  set  Neptune  wondering. 

So  was  my  spirit  gazing,  all  surmise. 

Steadfast,  intent,  in  absolute  repose. 
And  evermore  enkindled  through  the  eyes. 

In  presence  of  that  radiance  one  grows 
So  rapt,  it  is  impossible  the  soul 
Could  yield  to  turn  aside  to  other  shows; 

Because  the  Good,  which  is  volition's  goal. 
All  gathers  there,  and  the  deficient  rest 
Outside  it,  there  becomes  a  perfect  whole. 


448  Paradiso 

Now  will  my  words  fall  even  shorter,  in  quest 
Of  my  remembrance,  than  the  infant  lore 
Of  him  whose  tongue  is  moistened  at  the  breast. 

Not  that  the  Living  Light  I  saw  gave  more 

Than  one  sole  semblance  to  my  contemplation, 
For  it  is  always  what  it  was  before; 

But  by  my  gathered  strength  of  observation, 
One  sole  appearance,  unto  me  thus  seeing. 
Was  ever  changing  with  my  transformation. 

To  me  within  the  luminous  deep  being 

Of  Lofty  Light  api>eared  three  circles,  showing 
Three  colors,  and  in  magnitude  agreeing; 

And  from  the  First  appeared  the  Second  flowing 
Like  Iris  out  of  Iris,  and  the  Third 
Seemed  fire  that  equally  from  both  is  glowing. 

O  but  how  scant,  how  feeble  any  word 

To  my  conceit!  and  this  to  what  I  viewed 
Is  such,  to  call  it  little  were  absurd. 

O  Light  Eterne,  who  dost  thyself  include. 
Who  lovest,  smiling  at  thy  own  intents. 
Self -understanding  and  self -understood! 

That  circling  which  in  thee  seemed  efliuence 
Of  light  reverberated,  by  my  view 
Surveyed  awhile  in  its  circumference. 

Within  itself  of  its  own  proper  hue 

Seemed  painted  with  the  effigy  of  man. 
Whereat  my  sight  was  wholly  set  thereto. 

As  the  geometer,  intent  to  scan 

The  measure  of  the  circle,  fails  to  trace. 
Think  as  he  may,  some  feature  of  the  plan, 

Such  I  at  the  strange  vision  of  the  Face: 

How  the  image  fits  the  circle,  fain  aright 
Would  I  perceive,  and  how  it  there  finds  place; 
An  instant  of      But  my  own  wings  were  not  for  such  a  flight — 
pe^edfulfiU-  Except  that,  smiting  through  the  mind  of  me. 

There  came  fulfillment  in  a  flash  of  light. 


ment 


^^L'Amor  che  move  il  sole  e  Valire  stelle^*     449 


Here  vigor  failed  the  lofty  fantasy; 

But  my  volition  now,  and  my  desires, 
Were  moved  like  wheel  revolving  evenly 

By  Love  that  moves  the  sun  and  stany  fires. 


x/' 


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